Why were the patricians frightened by the actions of the plebeians? Select all that apply: A) without plebeians, little work was done. B) without plebeians, the army was too weak to defend Rome. C) without plebeians no one could become Consul D) without plebeians, there was no one to vote for the Senators.

What this question is really asking

This is about why plebeian collective action, like refusing to work or serve, gave them power in the early Roman Republic. Think about what functions of the state stop working if a large part of the population withdraws.

How plebeian actions pressured the patricians

• Work and the economy: Plebeians did much of the farming, building, and day-to-day labor. If they stopped working, Rome’s basic functioning and wealth would suffer.
• Military defense: Plebeians served as a large part of Rome’s soldiers. If they refused to fight, Rome would be vulnerable to enemies.

Checking each answer choice

• A) without plebeians, little work was done. Correct, the labor force shrank drastically.
• B) without plebeians, the army was too weak to defend Rome. Correct, the army would lose many soldiers.
• C) without plebeians no one could become Consul Incorrect, consuls were originally patricians, and the office did not depend on plebeians “being able” to become consul.
• D) without plebeians, there was no one to vote for the Senators. Incorrect, Roman senators were not chosen by a simple popular vote in the way this option suggests; the key fear was labor and military withdrawal.

Quick takeaway

Plebeians had leverage because Rome needed their work and their soldiering. When they acted together, patricians risked losing both.