the early roman government was a monarchy but it was founded on a tribal logic the monarch was given absolute power over the people the roman called this power imperium however the monarch relationship to the people was seen as similar or identical to the power a father had over his household in other words the roman monarchy was strictly patriarchal in early roman society the father exercised incredible authority over the family the father could sell his children into slavery or could even kill them if he could justify it this arbitrary power was limited however before a father sold or killed his children he was required to consult with the family and with the public