The Roman government had three branches - the executive branch headed by two consuls, the legislative branch consisting of assemblies and the senate, and the judicial branch headed by praetors. Power was initially held by patricians in the senate but the conflict of the orders from 494 BC to 287 BC resulted in plebeians also gaining representation and rights. Key roles included tribunes who represented plebeian interests and could veto laws, and censors who conducted the census. Over time, the republic expanded democracy and more citizens could participate in government.