Under the Roman republic, the Senate and Assembly functioned as advisory institutions. The members of these institutions headed armies during wars. They enforced law and dispensed justice. The Senate was controlled by the upper land-owning class, known as Patricians. The common people were known as Plebians. They had limited rights. During the 5th century B.C. Plebians got the right to choose the members of the Tribune. It was around this time that the Roman law was implemented and the rule of law was established.