All early communities, to which the Romans were no exception, were composed of several groups of FAMILIES.

The Romans called these groups GENTES, and a single group was called a GENS.

All the members of a _gens_ were descended from a common ancestor, after whom the _gens_ received its name.
The head of each family was called PATER-FAMILIAS, and he had absolute authority (Footnote: Called _patria potestas_.) over his household, even in the matter of life and death.
The Roman government at first was conducted by these Fathers of the families, with a KING, elected from their own number, and holding office for life.

His duties were to command the army, to perform certain sacrifices (as high priest), and to preside over the assembly of the Fathers of the families, which was called the SENATE, i.e.an assembly of old men (_Senex_).
This body was probably originally composed of all the Fathers of the families, but in historical times it was limited to THREE HUNDRED members, holding life office, and appointed during the regal period by the king.

Later the appointment was made by the Consuls, still later by the Censors, and for nearly one hundred years before Christ all persons who had held certain offices were thereby vested with the right of seats in the Senate.