Why Did Rome's Most Prominent Men Seek the Post of Pontifex

question 63

Multiple Choice

Why did Rome's most prominent men seek the post of pontifex maximus ("greatest bridge-builder") ?

• A) It paid the highest salary of any position, even more than consul or senator.
• B) It would give them the power to appoint senators and the opportunity to build a political following.
• C) It allowed the officeholder to claim aristocratic status, regardless of his class at birth.
• D) It bestowed increased political power, since the officeholder was the head of state religion.

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Definitions:

Equity Theory

A theory in social psychology that asserts individuals assess their job satisfaction based on the fairness of their work rewards relative to others.

Inputs

Resources, information, or stimuli that are used to produce a process or influence an outcome in a system or project.

Outcomes

The results or consequences of actions taken by individuals or organizations.

Interactional Unfairness

The perception that interpersonal treatment or communication within an organization or social context is unjust or biased.