Gene And Drive Systems - 1621 Words

Without any single powerful sickness control system, much investment has been controlled at the utilization of gene drive components to spread against pathogen qualities through mosquito populaces. Here, they break down the likelihood that transgenic DNA comprising of a hostile to pathogen gene and drive system is lost from a mosquito populace taking after an unplanned discharge. Any transgenic mosquito undertaking is required to include a few phases of testing—first in the research facility, then in indoor confines, and after that in outside cages presented to the surrounding environment in a locale where transgenic mosquitoes may in the long run be discharged. A few gene drive systems exist in nature, and it is trusted that recalcitrant genes will be connected with these frameworks and crashed into mosquito populaces inside a time span satisfactory to general wellbeing objectives. Probably the most guaranteeing gene drive systems right now being explored incorporate homing e ndonuclease genes (HEGs), transposable elements (TEs), Medea elements, the intracellular bacterium Wolbachia, designed underdominance genes, and meiotic drive. The Core Working Group on Guidance for Contained Field Trials has distinguished a few potential unfavorable impacts of transgenic mosquitoes that must be evaluated before a release. A few gene drive systems are right now being considered to spread hostile to pathogen qualities into mosquito populations, each one having its own one of a kindShow MoreRelatedThe Use Of Crispr / Cas9 Technologies1518 Words   |  7 Pagesdiseases. Another application currently being experimented with is using CRISPR to genetically modify organisms for various purposes. Applications for Medical Treatment and Research Currently, one of the most exciting applications for CRISPR/Cas9 systems is that it has the potential to cure hereditary diseases. A significant amount of current medical research is heading in that direction with hopes that scientists can develop a cost effective way of curing individual’s genetic disorders without drugsRead MoreInsecticidal Resistance : The Looming Threat Of Resistance1292 Words   |  6 Pages as they could lead to poor competition against wild males or semi-sterility. Now, transgenic techniques can be used to sterilize male mosquitos using a process called Release of Insects with Dominant Lethality (RIDL), which uses a dominant lethal gene associated with a female-specific promoter. There are four categories of SIT implementations/outcomes based on the RIDL model. The first is early acting bisex (EBS) in which wild-type females produce no offspring with released males (Gentile, RundRead MoreAn Ecological Perspective On Modification Of Mosquitoes1476 Words   |  6 Pagessubstance to soften the surrounding tissue (Yong). Presence of the foreign substances initiate a robust defense mechanism response, which includes the release of histamine. The histamine causes the infected area to swell, making it easier for the immune system to fight against the foreign substance (Shim). His arm suddenly becomes itchy due to his body’s systemic response. Paul, vigorously scratching his arm for instant relief, senses an external stimuli caused by rigorous propulsion of wings. The delightfulRead MoreDelivery Of The Cas Components1306 Words   |  6 PagesDelivery of CRISPR-Cas Components: CRISPR systems are generally delivered in the cell using normal methods of transfection such as microinjection, gene gun, electroporation, sonoporation, and using viruses such as adenoviruses and lentiviruses. In cultured mammalian cells, researchers have used electroporation, nucleofection, and Lipofectamine mediated transfection methods to deliver vectors expressing the gene for gRNAs and Cas9 endonuclease. In cultured human and mouse cells, Lentiviral vectorsRead MoreThe Use Of Crispr / Cas9 Gene Editing1507 Words   |  7 Pages The practical uses for CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and other nuclease gene editing methods extend to animals as well. There are many proposed uses of the technology that need to be considered according to their associated risks and benefits. The first of which is the use of CRISPR to knock out genes associated with horn development in dairy cattle (Cima, 2016). Animals with horns present a hazard to animals kept in the same enclosure as them and to the w orkers that handle them. Only a small percentageRead MoreEvolution And Evolution Of Evolution1137 Words   |  5 Pagesnow have the chance to learn from the stance of new Anthropologists a more clear definition and idea about the process of evolution. In this essay, we will be describing evolution through the four forces that drive the process. This will include the concepts of Natural Selection, Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift. We will also discuss the other concepts of evolution that relate to these forces to create a better understanding. The process of evolution comes in two forms Microevolution and MacroevolutionRead MoreGenetic Engineering : Genetically Modified Foods1312 Words   |  6 PagesModified food is able to resist these diseases. Food is also being modified so that crops typically grown only in warm climates can now be grown in much colder climates that before, would cause them to die. This is done by taking the antifreeze gene from cold water fish and introducing it to plants. Food is being modified to contain additional nutrition as well. Malnutrition is Common in many third world countries, where the main source of food is rice which does not contain much nutrition. HoweverRead MoreWhat Is The Collaborative Study On The Genetics Of Alcoholism?1097 Words   |  5 PagesBeirut et al. (2010) and Kalsi et al. (2008) focus on genes that are correlated to alcohol dependency or AD. The disease can be described as the constant need to consume alcohol. Although not as discussed, genetic variants play a role in individuals developing alcoholism. Through a genome-wide association study, these articles were able to identify and interpret some variants that relate to this disease. The article by Bierut et al. (2010) is a discovery science article, in which there are no hypothesesRead MoreIs Our Identity Of The Heart?1382 Words   |  6 Pageselectrical signal traveling down the axon Myelin Sheath- covers the axon of some neurons and helps speed neutral impulses Terminal Branches of axon- From junctions with other cells There are billions of neurons throughout the body. Body’s communication system. Glial Cells Glial Cells- outnumber neurons 9 to 1 They provide nutrients to neurons/ protect Action Potential: a neural impulse that travels down an axon like a wave â€Å"The Wave† (sports stadium) When does the cell send the action potential? WhenRead MoreBiology : Evolution, Energy, Information, And Systems1436 Words   |  6 Pagesbiology: evolution, energy, information, and systems, but it also gives examples of each in order to help guide the reader’s understanding of the concepts. The first big idea of AP Biology is: â€Å"the process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.† Chapter 11 in the textbook encompasses this main idea through discussing alleles, phenotypic variations, and genetic variation. An individual receives two alleles, different versions of a gene, for each trait. Individuals with two of the

Opositions to Thomas Malthus Theory on Population Growth

Thomas Malthus was an early 19th century English scholar who specializes in political economy and demographics. One of his most well-known and influential works ‘An Essay on the Principle of Population argued that the increase in population growth would ultimately create social and economic problems for a nation. On the contrary, many famous political economists such as Ester Boserup and Julian Simon suggested different views about population and resource growth; which contradicts the Malthus’ theory. Thomas Malthus’ wrote ‘An Essay on the Principle of Population’ argued that the increasing rate of population growth is the impetus of many social and economic issues that affects our society. His belief was that population increases in geometrical scale whilst basic supply for humans increase in arithmetical scale, ‘I SAID THAT POPULATION, WHEN UNCHECKED, increased in a geometrical ratio, and subsistence for man in an arithmetical ratio.’ ( Quoted from An Essay on the Principle of Population, Chapter 2, page 6) Malthus believed that overpopulation would lead to mass malnutrition, famine, disease and even war. He proposed two kinds of method that could keep the population in a sustainable level. First is preventative checks, which suggested using moral restrains such as the practice of abstinence and criminal punishments for those who had children that they could not support. The other method is positive checks. Positive checks are factors that could increase the death

Importance of Mentoring Organisational Behaviour

Question: Discuss about the Importance of Mentoring Organisational Behaviour. Answer: Introduction: The article contends that executive managers in large organizations are tasked with the responsibility of guiding employees and departmental managers. They are also expected to report directly to the board of directors and lead the organization into achieving its strategic objectives by reacting to the threats and opportunities in their external environment. For this reason, the authors of the article examined what chief executives in New Zealand not-for-profit, public, and private sectors consider the most crucial aspects of their current environment and their impact on management skills. Identifying relevant Thesis Statement or Question from the article The central questions that the article aims to address are: What are the greatest challenges that New Zealand chief executives are facing? What are the implications of these challenges for management skills? Given the current business environment, what managerial capabilities are essential? How can human resource management support their development? Thesis Statement: The article points out that the productivity problem in New Zealand is attributable to lack of management capabilities caused by high turnover rates. Analysing the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Article based on the Thesis Statement The article is well written and easy to understand. The author uses various themes to help readers in understanding the content of the article. Some of these topics include New Zealand organizations and management capabilities, the public sector, private and not-for-profit sector. Likewise, the authors provide in-depth analysis of the country under discussion by comparing it to others in the same region as well as the management challenges it faces. For instance, the authors contend that as a small economy, New Zealand has 4.5 million people and is remote from the global markets. The only industry that is performing well is the dairy sector. Accordingly, in 2011, none of the countrys company featured in the Global Fortune500 whereas Australia had eight and Singapore two (Hutchinson Boxall, 2014: 25). Despite the fact that a majority of multinational companies have their subsidiaries in the country, a small percentage of New Zealand staff provides their services in the company. The country is characterized by various manufacturing companies such as semiconductors, aerospace, and automobiles. However, these companies are very few limiting opportunities for individuals who might wish to specialize in these areas. A majority of consumer and business service are owned by foreigners, especially the banking sector and some parts of the distribution and the retail sector. For all these reasons, it is common for managers in New Zealand to pursue advancement opportunities in other countries with large economies. Besides, lack of advancement opportunities and lack of a specialized role in New Zealand makes it difficult to recruit and retain managerial talent (Hutchinson Boxall, 2014: 38). Regardless these challenges, organizations in New Zealand firms are less bureaucratic and provide their staff with job autonomy and enhanced quality of life. The type of management style practiced in the country is the empowering type because organizations are more informal and sma ller. However, a majority of managers are shifting from this country to Australia where they have achieved great success in the labour market. The strength of the article is that it provides recommendations to New Zealand Chief Executive officers on what they should do to enhance their organizations productivity. For instance, the article points out that the biggest challenges that New Zealand Chief Executive Officers face include managing renewal and uncertainty, managing resources and people, and managing partners and stakeholders(Hutchinson Boxall, 2014: 38). For instance, the article advocates that human resource managers should take part in the design of processes and systems that nurtures and identifies management talent. Additionally, the system should permit managers to create teams in a more uncertain environment. The major weakness with the article is that it fails to analyse the management issue from a global perspective. On the contrary, the article primarily focuses on comparing New Zealand with its neighbouring countries such as Australia. Accordingly, the article does not provide its target audience with mea sures being taken by the country to address the managerial challenges it is currently facing. However, it makes recommendations on what senior managers should do to retain managerial talent. My View Point of What I Believe The article points out that lack of advancement opportunities and lack of specialized role in New Zealand makes it difficult to recruit and retain managerial talent. This is not true because there are various strategies that human resource managers can utilize to reduce turnover and retain employees. Larson et al.(2008: 43) argue that organizations must listen to the needs of their employees and execute retention strategies that will engage and value them. The implementation of these strategies can exhibit a positive and significant impact on the firms turnover rate. Allen and Bryant (2012: 115) outline various reasons that cause employees to leave a company in pursuit of better opportunities. Some of these reasons include employees feeling that their workplace or job does not meet their expectations, or there are minimal feedbacks and coaching. Other causes include mismatch between the person and the job, few advancement and growth opportunities, and employees feeling unrecognized and devalued (Lyons Pastore, 2016: 13). Loss of confidence and trust in senior leaders or overwork can also be a major cause of high turnover in New Zealand organizations. High turnover is quite expensive because organizations are forced to use the extra cash to recruit and train new employees. In fact, it costs three times more to replace someone compared to paying an employee (Johnston, 2013: 35). The increase in cost is because of lost opportunities, lost productivity, severance, and recruitment. According to a study conducted by Soundarapandiyan and Ganesh (2015: 10), it was evident that approximately 50% of newly employed staff leaves their position after two years. Accordingly, 70% of companies argued that high turnover exhibits a negative impact on their financial performance because of the cost of training, hiring, and recruiting a replacement employee. Besides, the current employees have to work overtime until the vacant position is filled. Based on the impact of high turnover on the organization, Fiatte (2015:14) encourages organization to design a retention plan to reduce turnover and retain employees. Example of effective retention methods that organizations in New Zealand can utilize to avoid their managers from seeking opportunities in the neighbouring countries include: Mentoring Organizations should integrate their mentoring programs with a goal-oriented feedback system. The primary objective of doing this is to provide managers and other employees with a structured mechanism to develop healthy relationships and boost employees growth and retention (James Mathew, 2012: 80). Through the mentoring program, inexperienced individuals are paired with the experienced people in a similar discipline with the primary objective of providing performance feedback, developing certain competencies, and creating a personalized career development plan (Ruginosu, 2014: 300). Training and Instilling a Positive Culture in the organization Employees training enhance their sense of value in the organization. Equally, through training, employees are helped to realize their goals as well as develop a solid comprehension of their work requirements (Tandung, 2016:55). Regarding instilling a positive culture, an organization should focus on establishing a comprehensive range of values that acts as a foundation for their culture including teamwork, respect, attitude, excellence, and honesty. Creating an excellent culture helps in keeping and attracting competent employees. Utilizing Communication to Enhance Credibility Regardless an organization size, communication is paramount in maintaining and building credibility. An organization should, therefore, put open communication channels where organizational staffs can share their opinions, suggestions, and grievances. It is also essential for the staff to recognize that they are being listened to by their employer. Providing Growth Opportunities It is important for organizations to provide their employees with software, workshops, and other tools that will help them in comprehending themselves and their career objectives. Equally, employees should be provided with enough job challenges to enhance their knowledge in their area of specialization (Memon et al., 2014: 207). Employees who are provided with growth opportunities commit themselves to an organization that channels its attention on developing their career and investing in them. Showing Appreciation through benefits and compensation According to the article, managers in New Zealand seek new opportunities in other countries because of better remuneration and other benefits. Therefore, to increase retention and reduce turnover, organizations must offer their staffs competitive salaries, health and pension plans, bonus programs, and tuition reimbursement to recognize the important role they play in enhancing the performance of the organization (Nawaz Pangil, 2016: 28). However, organizations need to ensure that the rewards they offer to their employees are meaningful. Whether I Agree With the Article Thesis Statement I do agree with the article thesis statement that productivity problem in New Zealand is attributable to lack of management capabilities caused by high turnover rates. The article clearly states that managers in New Zealand often explore advancement opportunities in larger economies or to international offices. It is normal for employees to seek opportunities in organizations or countries that will provide them with a platform to grow and advance themselves career wise. Conclusion In conclusion, an organization should invest in strategies that help them in reducing turnover and retaining talent. Therefore, it is important for organizations in New Zealand to take into consideration motivation-building approaches in their corporate culture. The involvement of these activities helps in creating an environment that stimulates and motivates employees. Additionally, it is important to provide staff with competitive remuneration and helping them in developing their careers. Applying these strategies will reduce the high turnover among managerial staffs in the country. References Allen, D.G., Bryant, P.C. (2012) Managing Employee Turnover : Dispelling Myths and Fostering Evidence-based Retention Strategies, New York: Business Expert Press Braddock, D.L., Bruiniks, R.H.(2008) Staff Recruitment and Retention: Study Results and Intervention Strategies, Washington, D.C: American Association on Mental Retardation. Fiatte, T.L. (2015) 'Become an employer of choice: strategies to attract and retain manufacturing employees', Plant Engineering, no. 5, p. 14. Hutchinson, A., Boxall, P. (2014) The Critical Challenges Facing New Zealands Chief Executives: Implications for Management Skills, Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, vol.52, pp.23-41 James, L., Mathew, L. (2012) 'Employee Retention Strategies: IT Industry', SCMS Journal of Indian Management, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 79-87. Johnston, M.P.( 2013) 'The Importance Of Professional Organizations And Mentoring In Enabling Leadership', Knowledge Quest, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 34-39. Lyons, V., Pastore, D. (2016), 'Tools for a Formal Mentoring Program: A Guide Every Mentee in Coaching Can Use', Physical Educator, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 1-14. Memon, M.A., Salleh, R., Baharom, M.R., Harun, H. (2014) 'Person-Organization Fit and Turnover Intention: The Mediating Role of Employee Engagement', Global Business Management Research, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 205-209. Nawaz, M.S, Pangil, F. (2016) 'The Effect of Fairness of Performance Appraisal and Career Growth on Turnover Intention', Pakistan Journal of Commerce Social Sciences, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 27-44. Ruginosu, A. (2014) 'The Importance Of Mentoring In The Knowledge Based Organizations' Management', Management Intercultural, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 297-302. Soundarapandiyan, K., Ganesh, M. (2015) 'Employee Retention Strategy With Reference To Chennai Based Ites Industry- An Empirical Study', Global Management Review, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 1-13. Tandung, J.C. (2016) 'The Link between HR Attributions and Employees' Turnover Intentions', Gadjah Mada International Journal of Business, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 55-69.

What extent did Augustus establish a monarchy between 31BC and 19BC Essay Example

What extent did Augustus establish a monarchy between 31BC and 19BC Essay The key component of monarchy as a political system is generally considered to be the rule, usually in this period absolute, of one person over a state for the duration of their lifetime. It also contains an inherently hereditary nature, with the holder of the office not being elected or appointed through a political process, but named by their predecessor as heir. Rome of the first century BC, however, boasted a strong tradition of proud Republicanism; a tradition with which the concept of monarchy seemed wholly incompatible. Despite the virtual collapse of the Roman Republic in the foregoing years of military demagogues and civil war, and the systematic murder of vehement Republicans such as Cicero under the Triumvirate, the concept of hereditary rule was still widely regarded with hostility following the Battle of Actium. Memories of Julius Caesars adoption of quasi-monarchical powers in Rome loomed large, and the civil war had left the concept of monarchy indelibly associated with the eastern despotism and excess of the reviled Cleopatra. Such different systems of government are seemingly irreconcilable, being as they are inherently antagonistic. Yet Augustus Caesar, one of the most consummate politicians of the ancient world, somehow managed to achieve what had eluded all his predecessors; the establishment and maintenance of sustainable political dominance in Rome. We will write a custom essay sample on What extent did Augustus establish a monarchy between 31BC and 19BC specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on What extent did Augustus establish a monarchy between 31BC and 19BC specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on What extent did Augustus establish a monarchy between 31BC and 19BC specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Throughout his long period of rule, Augustus was careful to cloak the reality of his power in Republican phraseology and custom, yet, in bequeathing the Roman world a legacy of hereditary rule in many ways akin to monarchy, he simultaneously destroyed the very fabric and ideals of the Republican tradition. Following his victory over Antony at Actium, Caesars young heir, was, by his own admission, in complete control of affairs1 in Rome. At this point, Octavian enjoyed power similar to that of his adoptive father. Yet, although the true foundations of his pre-eminence his imperium over a vast army, granted in 43BC,2 his triumphant emergence from the civil war, and his command of unparalleled financial resources- had been established, Octavian was in no sense a monarch at this point. His regime lacked stability, especially since his position may have had little constitutional validity. His official term as triumvir had ended in either 33 or 32BC, and there is little solid evidence that he was ever granted additional extraordinary powers, although this possibility cannot be discounted. The Res Gestae inevitably points to the rather ambiguous universal consent,3 as the foundation of this dominance, which, given that Octavian had defeated the unpopular Antony and that all hopes of the peace Rome desperately craved now lay with the young man, may actually contain a grain of truth. Whether universal consent was the sole basis of his power or not, support was likely to have a finite duration, given that Octavians dominance was redolent of the political systems most despised, monarchy and dictatorship. The precedent of his adoptive father, however, loomed large, and Octavian, a consummate politician, was all too aware of the probable peril of riding roughshod over Republican sentiment; assassination. He recognised that, for his power to be sustainable, it would have to develop a basis acceptable to the Roman conscience. This is not necessarily proof that Octavian held any genuine desire to fully revive the Republic; whilst Suetonius asserts that twice Augustus seriously thought of restoring the Republican ystem,4 the princeps actions reveal any such intention, if it did ever exist, quickly evaporated. Octavian, despite his propagandist assertions to the contrary in the Res Gestae, was in all probability interested in maintaining and sustaining his power; in translating Caesars dream of permanent, stable family dominance into the realm of the possible and achievable. To do this, he had to create a monarchy veiled in Republican terminology and tradition, and establish himself as a mo narchical figure acceptable to the Romans. Dio leaves us in little doubt as to Octavians motives, claiming that he was eager to establish the monarchy in very truth. 5 In terms of establishing a stable political system in which his own power was accepted, Octavian used two main tactics. Firstly, he had to secure a constitutional legitimacy for his continued dominance, and, as Suetonius claimed, take great trouble to prevent his political system from causing any individual distress,6 particularly to the conservative political classes. Octavian, as quoted by Suetonius, was eager to build firm and lasting foundations for the Government of the State. 7 Secondly, and just as importantly, he had to secure his personal popularity amongst the Roman people, and cultivate a new, acceptable image of monarchy far removed from popular images of tyranny and despotism. In terms of achieving a new constitution, Octavian realised that he would have to tread exceptionally carefully, given that resistance to overt displays of power was strongest amongst the conservatives of the Senate. Ever the shrewd politician, Octavian quickly realised that, paradoxically, the best way to obtain sustainable personal power was to appease the elite by posing as the defender, rather than the destroyer, of the Republican tradition. Octavian, once known for his ruthless ambition, suddenly and seamlessly metamorphosed into the saviour of Roman liberty, an image which he would cultivate until his death. The settlement of 27BC was the striking culmination of this tactic; Octavian appeared before the senate and resigned all of his extraordinary powers. The Res Gestae alludes to the event only briefly, but, given its propagandist purpose, understandably implies that Augustus was acting benevolently as he transferred the republic from my power to the dominion of the senate and people of Rome. 8 The ambiguity of this statement conceals the true nature of the settlement, which Dio more accurately paints as a clever trick to have his supremacy ratified by the Senate9 and the Res Gestae fails to mention the vast provincia that Octavian, now rewarded with the cognomen Augustus, received in return. Suetonius, who also addresses the settlement only peripherally, informs us that Augustus kept for himself all the more vigorous provinces;10 these were Gaul, Spain (excluding Baetica), Syria and Cyprus, over which he gained proconsular authority for a ten year period, in addition to Egypt, which he administered as virtually his own private kingdom. Suetonius and the Res Gestae, however, both neglect to mention that Augustus retained control of all the legions (although Dio to an extent implies this in saying that Augustus took the more powerful11). In addition, Augustus continued to stand for, and was elected to, the consulship. This was an unprecedented move, as no previous public figure had held both consular and proconsular authority concurrently. Undoubtedly, the settlement was not a service12 to Rome as Augustus implied, but an enormously clever manipulation of the Senate that simultaneously gave Augustus vast powers within the Republican system, legitimised his position, and won him mass acclaim. The claims in the Res Gestae that after this time I possessed no more official power than others who were my colleagues in several magistracies13 are strictly true, but what is omitted is the fact that Augustus had an unparalleled accumulation of magistracies. Dio even dates the foundation of the monarchy to the settlement of 27BC, claiming In this way the power of both people and senate passed entirely into the hands of Augustus, and from this time there was, strictly speaking, a monarch14 Arguably, this statement needs to be qualified on two grounds. Firstly, Augustus did not have absolute legal power; he still ultimately accountable to the law. Additionally, many facets of the Republic were restored, albeit in a modified form the Senate regained control over the more peaceful provinces, and all magistrates performed their traditional functions. Secondly, the settlement did not instantaneously establish a monarchy; it merely provided the constitutional basis for, and therefore enhanced the legitimacy of, Augustus dominance within the Republic. Further enhancements were made to the political settlement in 23BC, when Augustus renounced the perpetual consulship and gained instead all the components of tribunician power, in addition to imperium maius over the other consuls that was valid even with the boundary of the pomerium. This settlement is alluded to neither in the Res Gestae (Augustus simply mentions that he was awarded tribunician power15) or in Suetonius, whose coverage of constitutional matters is sketchy. Dio mentions that Augustus was granted tribunician power, but only vaguely implies a political purpose in saying Augustus resigned the consulship n order that as many as possible might become consuls16 The reason for these changes is unclear; one interpretation is that Augustus wanted to make his power even less overt, perhaps as a result of a conspiracy against his life in 24BC (although Dio dates the conspiracy to 22BC, the year after the settlement,17 which may suggest that it occurred as a response to the settl ement), another is that referred to above by Dio, namely, that he realised his monopoly of the consulship was infuriating other politicians as it limited their possibilities of advancement to the position. Although the second settlement ostensibly reduced Augustus power, depriving him of his consular imperium, and probably, therefore, his imperium within Rome itself, it transpired that the period of 24BC-19BC was key in the establishment of the principate. To what extent Augustus anticipated the constructive effects of the settlement is difficult to gauge, but given his immense political acumen, it cannot be discounted that the settlement was a highly calculated move. To the politically unsophisticated masses, this settlement indicated Augustus resignation from Roman politics. Fortuitously for Augustus, this resignation coincided with damaging floods and food shortages, which the superstitious interpreted as negative omens. In consequence, there were demands for Augustus to accept the dictatorship or the perpetual consulship,18 a clear validation of his continued dominance. Augustus refused, claiming that I would not accept any office inconsistent with the custom of our ancestors. 19 He thus managed to simultaneously emerge with an enhanced reputation, and with popular support that could potentially be used as leverage to force the senators into acquiescence. Any loss of power, too, seems to have been temporary, for Dio indicates that in 19BC Augustus gained [authority of] consul for life,20 although he did not formally hold the post. This is not mentioned in the Res Gestae, but, given that the constitutional basis of Augustus dominance is largely ignored, this is unsurprising. Between 31BC and 19BC, Augustus established the legal foundation of his predominance extremely successfully. His tactic of acting inside the Roman constitution had allowed him to amass considerable power whilst avoiding offence to Republican sentiment. He had, indeed established the legal foundations of a new position that, although strictly a composite of constitutional positions, allowed him to gradually assume monarchical authority. Augustus choice to omit mention of his legal powers, or potestas in the Res Gestae means that it is easy to underestimate their importance, but by 19BC his legal rights were indeed great; not only did he have proconsular authority over half the empire and control of most of the legions, but his imperium maius enabled him to intervene even in senatorial provinces, whilst the consular imperium he may have received in 19BC gave him legal pre-eminence in Rome itself. Although tribunician power was primarily symbolic, giving Augustus an image as defender of the people, it did allow him to propose legislation and veto the laws of the Senate. Despite these successes in establishing increasing dominance, there were still key differences between the constitutional powers of Augustus and the powers usually associated with monarchy. Augustus ultimately did not enjoy absolute power, as he was accountable to the constitution and the law. Indeed, many of his special rights, namely his proconsular authority over his provincia, were officially only granted for periods of five or ten years, although they would never be revoked. What is paramount, however, is that although Augustus recognised the importance of having his position ratified in constitutional terms, largely in order to secure the acquiescence of the governing class, he did not intend to have his authority continuously scrutinised in terms of legal minutiae. Augustus potestas, or legal powers, clarified his role and legitimised his pre-existing dominance, but Augustus never intended for them to provide an exhaustive description of his role or to limit his powers. Instead, Augustus hoped that, with success and popularity, he would evolve into a monarchical figure acceptable to the Romans, and would be able to issue commands without people inquiring by virtue of what statute he was acting. This unofficial influence, or auctoritas, was a key component of Augustus power. Augustus auctoritas was largely derived from his unparalleled achievements, and, fortuitously for the princeps, these continued to occur after 31BC. Augustus exploited the true foundations of his power, namely his military success and enormous wealth, plus his considerable political skill, to gain triumphs for the Empire. Between 31BC and 19BC he achieved more success in the provinces, pacifying Gaul and Spain and annexing Galatia and Lyconia. In 25BC the Temple of Janus was closed, which, as is mentioned in the Res Gestae, symbolised that victories had secured peace through land and sea throughout the whole empire of the Roman people. 21 Military success was combined with striking munificence; in the Res Gestae Augustus highlights that between 31BC and 19BC he gave 700 sesterces to each of the Roman plebs, that after the war he gave 1000 sesterces to each of his soldiers, and that in 23BC he bought grain to help ease the food shortages. 22 This was in addition to his lauded building programme; by 19BC his immense spending on public works had begun. The inevitable result of such achievements was popularity amongst both the masses and, increasingly, the Senate, and as more people concurred with Augustus dominance his auctoritas further increased. Interestingly, Augustus chose to highlight his auctoritas rather than his potestas in the Res Gestae, which contains the implicit assumption throughout that great successes merited great rewards and influence. Indeed, whilst barely mentioning his imperium and omitting his provincia totally, Augustus confidently asserts that he excelled all in influence. 23 His choice to emphasise his unofficial power rather than his potestas was again politically expedient, reinforcing the image that Augustus was not the destroyer of the Republican tradition, but a great man who had been rewarded for service to his country. The latter image was far more acceptable to the conservative nobility, who, as a result of the peace and success that Augustus had heralded, and also due to the memories of the functi oning Republic becoming more distant, were increasingly prepared to collaborate with Augustus and accept his diluted version of monarchy. Allied to his pursuit of personal popularity, Augustus also attempted to reduce the instinctive Roman hostility towards one man having overt control through creating an image of hereditary rule far removed from previous notions of tyranny and poor government. A skilled propagandist, Augustus presented himself simultaneously as a benevolent patriarch, a skilled general who actively championed the liberty of the Republic24and added to its glory, and a great statesman. He also manipulated his position as the divi filius of the deified Caesar, and encouraged, particularly in the provinces, the development of an imperial cult. To propagate these images, Augustus employed subtle yet pervasive propaganda. Coins were minted and statues built in praise of Augustus achievements, and poets such as Horace and Virgil were encouraged to write in praise of the princeps and the Empire. Commonly ascribed to him were the virtues of, as he writes in the Res Gestae, courage, clemency, justice and piety,25 and even the cognomen Augustus was suggestive, meaning revered one. Although the amassing of auctoritas continued until his death, by 19BC Augustus had certainly started to evolve into a monarchical figure who boasted the support of the Roman people and had largely overcome resistance to his rule. Whilst Augustus longevity and continued success would allow his power to further increase, by 19BC he had, as Suetonius claimed was his aim, built firm and lasting foundations for the Government of the State. 26 His next concern was to ensure that these foundations which I have established for the State will abide secure. 27 This appears to be a veiled reference to his wish to appoint a successor, which is perhaps the best proof that Augustus aim was always to develop hereditary monarchy in Rome. Even before 19BC, Augustus was preoccupied with the issue of the succession, particularly during his serious illness of 23BC. Although Dio asserts that Augustus did not, to be sure, appoint a successor,28 he, perhaps surprisingly, states that all were expecting that Marcellus would be preferred for the position29 (Augustus seemed to instead prefer Agrippa). The latter quotes suggests that even as early as 23BC, there was a growing acceptance of hereditary rule, one of the most important precepts of monarchical government. By 19BC, the precepts of monarchy, only recently anathema to proud senators and politicians, were beginning to become the undeniable realities of a Roman political system increasingly dominated by one individual, Augustus Caesar, who had carefully yet systematically undermined the values of the Republican system he had purported to protect. Whilst Augustus did not officially possess monarchical power and was ultimately subject to the law and constitution, his skill in amassing numerous offices, powers and honours, combined with his popularity and unparalleled auctoritas, meant that his authority was increasingly unchecked. Even after only 15 years of rule, Caesars heir had skilfully laid the foundations for a monarchy distinctly Roman, a monarchy cloaked in Republican phraseology and custom, yet which would consign the Republic itself forever to history.