Page:Roman Constitutional History, 753-44 B.C..djvu/30

16 left him by far the larger part of the modern legislative field.

Religious Affairs. — The king alone had the power to represent the state in its intercourse with the gods. He alone was authorized to pray that the gods would by the flight of birds or other signs (auspicia) express their wishes in regard to a future official action, — for example, a meeting of the assembly or senate, or the departure of an army for war.

He alone could make changes in the public worship or the state religion, but only with the consent of the gods. He performed many religious functions himself, and the queen took part in some of them. If personal supervision was inexpedient, he had the power to appoint priests, and to establish colleges of priests, for the maintenance of rites, the performance of sacrifices, and the transmission of religious lore.

Military and Foreign Affairs. — The king was commander-in-chief of the army. He levied the necessary troops, organized them, appointed the officers, and directed the military operations.

He could not legally declare war against states that had entered into treaties with Rome, except with the consent of the people and the senate; but in other cases he made war at discretion, and he concluded treaties of peace or of alliance. In brief, he managed foreign affairs.

Financial Affairs. — The king also controlled the public treasury. He collected and expended the port duties, the income derived from the public domain (scriptura, vectigalia), from fines, confiscations, and the spoils of war. If necessary, he levied a temporary tax (tributum). He gave away or disposed of conquered territory, decided on the construction of public works, and ordered the people to construct them without pay.