This personal protector role expanded over time and Tribunes eventually acquired a powerful role in government. They were given the power to block legislation, call meetings of the Senate, or compel Consuls to comply with decrees of the Senate. In 286 B.C, the law Lex Hortensia was passed which gave the Plebian class, through its own assembly, the right to pass laws binding on all of Rome. Tribunes were elected by the Plebian Assembly and presided over its meetings.
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