The Senate Controlled by the People
As for the Senate, which possesses the immense
power I have described, in the first place
it is obliged in public affairs to take the
multitude into account, and respect the
wishes of the people; and it cannot put into execution the
penalty for offences against the republic, which are punishable with death, unless the people first ratify its decrees.
Similarly even in matters which directly affect the senators,—
for instance, in the case of a law diminishing the Senate's
traditional authority, or depriving senators of certain dignities
and offices, or even actually cutting down their property,—
even in such cases the people have the sole power of passing
or rejecting the law. But most important of all is the fact
that, if the Tribunes interpose their veto, the Senate not only
are unable to pass a decree, but cannot even hold a meeting
at all, whether formal or informal. Now, the Tribunes are
always bound to carry out the decree of the people, and above
all things to have regard to their wishes: therefore, for all these
reasons the Senate stands in awe of the multitude, and cannot
neglect the feelings of the people.
