The first consuls were Lucius Junius Brutus and Lucius Tarquinius Collatinus, who were elected in 509 BC. The consulship remained the highest office in the Roman Republic until the end of the Republic in 27 BC. After the fall of the Republic, the consulship was continued as a ceremonial office under the Roman Empire.
The consuls were elected by a complex system of voting that was designed to ensure that both patricians and plebeians were represented. The Roman people were divided into 193 centuries, each of which had one vote. The centuries were divided into six classes, based on wealth and social status. The first class, which consisted of the wealthiest citizens, had 98 centuries, while the sixth class, which consisted of the poorest citizens, had only one century.
The election of the consuls was held in July of each year. The candidates for consul were nominated by the Senate, and they then campaigned for office by giving speeches and meeting with voters. The elections were held in the Campus Martius, a field outside the city of Rome.
The consuls took office on January 1 of each year. They were given the fasces, a bundle of rods that symbolized their authority. The consuls also had the power to veto each other's decisions, and they could also be impeached by the Roman Senate.
The consuls were responsible for a wide range of duties, including:
* The administration of justice: The consuls presided over the courts and heard cases involving criminal and civil matters.
* The command of the army: The consuls were the commanders-in-chief of the Roman army. They led the army in battle and they were responsible for the defense of Rome.
* The conduct of foreign policy: The consuls were responsible for negotiating treaties with foreign countries and for declaring war.
The consuls were also responsible for a number of other duties, including the maintenance of public order, the supervision of public works, and the administration of the provinces.
The consulship was a powerful office, and it was often used as a stepping stone to other high offices in the Roman Republic. Many consuls went on to become senators, governors, and even emperors.