The
Roman Assemblies were institutions in
ancient Rome. They functioned as the machinery of the Roman legislative branch, and thus (theoretically at least) passed all legislation. Since the assemblies operated on the basis of
direct democracy, ordinary citizens, and not elected representatives, would cast all ballots. The assemblies were subject to strong checks on their power by the executive branch and by the
Roman Senate. Laws were passed (and magistrates elected) by
Curia (in the
Curiate Assembly), Tribes (in the
Tribal Assembly), and
Centuries (in the
Centuriate Assembly).