Quote Originally Posted by Pelopidas
The Tribun plebeian were the only ones magistrates elected by the Plebe ( in the sens of the poorest citizens ) and have effectualy very great powers, protected by sacred laws as if they were Jupiter himself for the duration of their mandat.
Most of these tribunes were people that had no concern for the people at all. They were simply "puppets" of the particians and the senate. Although the tribunes of the plebs had godlike power during their terms they were not allowed to stand for tribune again in their lifetime. This caused problems for the senate because if a tribune did care for the people (e.g. Tiberius Graccus) they could not get rid of him or have him arrested during his term.