Administration. Under the Republic no clear distinction was ever made between local and national levels of government. Yet there were many other governments within the empire. Most of that empire was governed not by officials sent out from the capital city but by local city magistrates and councils. Even though a Roman governor had the ultimate authority in his province, most administration was done by the municipalities. Technically, cities could have many different statuses. None were truly independent of Rome, but few were really run by it. As long as taxes were paid and a minimum level of public order and loyalty was maintained, the central government was usually satisfied. The local communities raised their own funds through taxation and gifts, took care of most local jurisdiction, saw to public buildings and resources (such as water), and...