While the factions of Orsini and Colonna divided the Campagna and wrangled in the streets of the city, Rome continued to preserve, in form at least, the old constitution of Caporioni and Senator.

The Senator, elected by the people, swore, not to obey the Pope, but to defend his person.

The government was ostensibly republican.

The Pope had no sovereign rights, but only the ascendency inseparable from his wealth and from his position as Primate of Christendom.

At the same time the spirit of Arnold of Brescia, of Brancaleone, and of Rienzi revived from time to time in patriots like Porcari and Baroncelli, who resented the encroachments of the Church upon the privileges of the city.