Outline the steps by which the plebeians gained a voice in the roman government.

The patricians (privileged class) relied on the plebeians (common people) to help fight in Rome's wars. The plebeians demanded representation in the government and the patricians gave in because they needed them. The plebeians gained the right to have their own assembly and have elected officials. The met as the council of plebeians and passed resolution called plebiscites. These were binding only on the common class. The tribune or Tribal Assembly had the right to stop unjust acts of patrician officials by crying out Veto (I forbid). The plebeians also created the Law of twelve tables. Gradually the plebeians improved their political and social standing the the republic. They gained the right to hold public offices and a few even became senators. In 287 BC the tribal assembly gained the power to pass laws binging upon all the people of Rome - patricians as well as plebeians. sadly as the distinction between patricians and plebeians began to disappear, a new class distinction began to develop - the rich verses the poor.