Page "Augustus" Paragraph 2

After the demise of the Second Triumvirate, Augustus restored the outward facade of the free Republic, with governmental power vested in the Roman Senate, the executive magistrates, and the legislative assemblies.

In reality, however, he retained his autocratic power over the Republic as a military dictator.

By law, Augustus held a collection of powers granted to him for life by the Senate, including supreme military command, and those of tribune and censor.

It took several years for Augustus to develop the framework within which a formally republican state could be led under his sole rule.

He rejected monarchical titles, and instead called himself Princeps Civitatis (" First Citizen ").

The resulting constitutional framework became known as the Principate, the first phase of the Roman Empire.