This was due not only to the influence of the freedmen and other dependent poor in the city, and to the systematic corruption of the people by means of festivals and of the spoils in war, and finally by direct bribery; it was due above all to the enrichment of the highest classes and the constant impoverishment of the common people, in consequence of which the middle classes also sank to the position of clients of the rich and lost their political independence.
Introduction of the Secret Ballot. — In order to restore to such dependents some measure of freedom, the tribune Quintus Gabinius in 139 carried a plebiscite (lex Gabinia tabellaria), establishing the secret ballot at elections in place of voting viva voce. The Cassian plebiscite, passed in 137, with the aid of Scipio Aemilianus, established the secret ballot for criminal cases tried before the people, except those of high treason (perduellio). The Caelian plebiscite of 107 introduced it also for cases of treason; and the Papirian plebiscite of 131, for the enactment or rejection of laws. But the secret ballot was never perfected and enforced to such an extent as to become effectual and politically important. Bribery and intimidation continued to flourish.
