The document summarizes the social classes in ancient Rome and the political changes that resulted from conflict between the patricians and plebeians. The patricians were Rome's wealthy ruling class while the plebeians were the lower-class citizens with few rights and power. The plebeians went on strike and threatened to form their own republic to demand more political representation. As a result, tribunes were elected to represent plebeian interests and over time plebeians gained equal legal rights and the ability to hold high offices, making Rome's government more representative.