One of two chief magistrates elected annually to lead the Roman Republic, holding the highest executive power (imperium) for one year. This system was designed to prevent any single person from gaining too much power.
From Latin 'consul' meaning 'one who consults,' derived from 'consulere' (to deliberate or take counsel). The title emphasized the collaborative nature of Roman leadership and decision-making.
The Roman consulship was like having two presidents who could veto each other! This system of shared power worked for nearly 500 years until ambitious generals like Pompey and Caesar began holding multiple consulships and breaking the traditional rules. Julius Caesar's refusal to give up his command and return to Rome as a private citizen ultimately ended the Republic.
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