Question

which of these statements best reflects sullas vision of how to rule rome?

\the people must have more power to be more content.\
\creating reforms is the job of the consults; dictators lead.\
\the plebeians are capable of governing themselves well.\
\the senate must be strengthened to strengthen the republic.\

Explanation:

Analyze Sulla's political alignment

Lucius Cornelius Sulla was a staunch conservative Roman general and statesman who aligned with the optimates, the traditionalist senatorial faction. His primary political goal was to restore the traditional balance of power in the Roman Republic Government by strengthening the authority of the Roman Senate and reducing the power of the popular assemblies and the tribunes of the plebs.

Evaluate the options against Sulla's actions

• "The people must have more power to be more content." This contradicts Sulla's actions. He actively stripped power away from the popular assemblies and the tribunes of the plebs.
• "Creating reforms is the job of the consults; dictators lead." This is historically inaccurate. Sulla was appointed dictator specifically to write laws and reconstitute the state (dictator legibus scribundis et rei publicae constituendae), meaning he used his dictatorship to enact sweeping constitutional reforms.
• "The plebeians are capable of governing themselves well." Sulla deeply distrusted the plebeians and popular politicians (populares). He believed that popular governance led to chaos and civil strife.
• "The Senate must be strengthened to strengthen the Republic." This perfectly aligns with Sulla's constitutional reforms. He increased the size of the Senate, restored its control over the courts, and restricted the veto power of the tribunes to ensure senatorial supremacy.

Answer:

• (A) "The people must have more power to be more content."
• (B) "Creating reforms is the job of the consults; dictators lead."
• (C) "The plebeians are capable of governing themselves well."
• (D) "The Senate must be strengthened to strengthen the Republic." (Correct answer)