Why Did Augustus End Election Disturbances
The third settlement was created by Senate as an attempt to end election disturbances. In 19BC, the senate left consulship up for Augustus while he was away. A Roman, Egnatius Rufus, attempted to stand in but was denied. Rufus then turned to violence and threats, which was later resolved when Augustus returned to vacate the last consulship through recommendations. This election disturbance showed how strong his auctoritas was. Augustus had the ability to control the voters to vote for his reccomendation. In order to stop disturbances, senate gave Augustus Consular Potestas. This gave Augustus consul powers for life without being consul. This meant Rome would still elect two consuls every year.
As Consular Potestas, Augustus could override
As Consular Potestas, Augustus could override