<P> As the privileged status of the old patrician elite eroded over time, a plebeian aristocracy developed whose status was theoretically based on merit and popular election rather than birth . Because patricians were ineligible to run for plebeian offices, the new plebeian aristocracy actually had more opportunities for advancement than their patrician counterparts . Over time distinctions between patricians and plebeian aristocrats became less important, giving rise to a new "patricio - plebeian aristocracy" termed the nobilitas . </P> <P> In 287 BC, the plebeians again seceded . To end the secession, the lex Hortensia was passed, which required that plebiscites, laws passed by the Plebeian Council, be binding on the whole Roman people . The Hortensian law resolved the last great political question of the earlier era; the electoral and legislative sovereignty of the assemblies was confirmed and would remain part of the constitution until the demise of the Republic . As a whole, the outcome of the political struggles of the early republic was to eliminate the privileged status of patricians in the constitution and grant the plebs recognition of their own officers . The institution of the Senate was also now arguably stronger, as it became a repository of former magistrates rather than a body of hereditary nobles . </P> <P> In Roman constitutional law, the assemblies are a sovereign authority, with the power to enact or reject any law, confer any magistracies, and make any decision . In fact, with a single law, they held the authority to override the norms and precedents of the Republic as well as ancient laws long unchanged . There are two necessary components to any assembly: (1) the convening magistrate and (2) the citizens in the assembly itself . Assemblies did not participate or discuss matters laid before them, they heard the speakers put forth by the presiding officer . And after such discussion, the presiding officer could call for a direct up or down vote . Without a magistrate, there would be nobody to legally call upon the assembly; and without the citizens, there is naught but a magistrate . </P> <P> Assemblies did not consist of the whole Roman people (Latin: populus Romanus), not only were there restrictions on the vote in that only adult male citizens were permitted to participate . Until the Social War around 90 BC, foreigners were prohibited from voting as well . It can be argued, however, that the Assembly was more a representative group of Romans rather than a simple direct democracy . </P>

What was the most powerful lawmaking body in the roman republic