Comitia

Comitia, in ancient Rome, assemblies of people summoned in groups to vote on proposals presented by magistrates. Dating from c.500 B.C., comitia performed different functions during various periods of Roman history. The earliest such institution, the Comitia Curiata, confirmed the selection of Roman kings. Later comitia, such as the Comitia Centuriata (organized according to wealth) and Comitia Tributa (organized by tribe) voted on laws, established titles of authority, and judged criminals. By 100 A.D. the comitias' legislative and judicial powers had been abrogated.