ABSTRACT
The political fortunes of the various groups fluctuated at the elections during the next few years, when some important reforms were carried: in 13 9 secret ballot was established for elections and this principle was extended to the judicial assemblies of the People in 137. The lead was taken by Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus, one of the tribunes of 133 b.c. He belonged to a distinguished family. Thus a Social War was averted for another thirty-five years and the Senate had rounded a dangerous corner, just as internally it had survived the pressure of Tiberius and Flaccus. Gaius Gracchus, who had served on the land commission since 133 when he was only twenty-one years old, became one of Rome's greatest orators. C. Fannius repaid him by undermining the franchise bill through working on the selfish interests of the voters in Rome and their jealousy of the allies.
