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The Roman Revolution

A Second Term

The Senate was furious at being circumvented. Tiberius had broken a fundamental rule. If the Senate could no longer be assured of influence in the Tribunician Assembly, then it felt justified in itself resorting to more extreme measures, further escalating political violence.

Once the Land Act was passed, it had to be funded and implemented and administered, all of which functions were securely in the hands of the senators. Tiberius knew this. He knew that passing the reform was only the first step, that the Senate would drag its feet, and he was convinced that only he could see his Act into reality.

So he decided to stand for tribune for a second term. This doesn't sound important, but a strong Roman tradition said that you served as tribune only once. The fear was that a charismatic leader could use the office of tribune, with its base of power in the common citizen, to become a demagogue. So Tiberius' decision was unprecedented and alarmed the senators, who now claimed that Tiberius wanted to be that very demagogue. Tiberius ignored the warning signs and went ahead with his plans.