At the start of the Roman Republic, which officials held imperium, commanded armies, and could veto each other?

• A. The consuls, two elected annually, held imperium, commanded armies, presided over the Senate and assemblies, and could veto each other.
• B. Praetors, magistrates who supervised courts and financial matters.
• C. Dictators appointed during emergencies with supreme, unchecked power.
• D. Tribunes of the plebs who protected plebeians and could veto magistrates.

Answer: (A)

The consuls. The early Republic concentrated executive and military power in two chief magistrates who both held imperium—the authority to command troops and govern. They led armies in war, ran daily state business, and presided over the Senate and assemblies. Crucially, they could veto each other’s acts through intercessio, creating a built-in check so no single consul could push through measures without the other's assent. Praetors handled judicial and financial duties and did not serve as the primary military commanders with this kind of mutual veto. Dictators had supreme, unchecked power but only in emergencies and not as the regular arrangement at the start; tribunes of the plebs did have veto power, but they did not hold imperium or command armies, so they don’t fit the description.