It is solely with the place of the assemblies in this system that we are at present concerned. Inasmuch as the consuls were supreme masters of the home administration, as well as of the actual conduct of war,[2110] and as the senate controlled finance, diplomacy, and all interstate judicial business affecting the Italian allies,[2111] what part in the government could have been left to the people? Polybius answers a most weighty part. They are constitutionally the sole fountain of honor and punishment, by which alone governments and societies are held together. Not only are they in a position to discriminate between the fit and the unfit in elections to office, but they are the sole court for trying cases involving life and death. The death penalty, however, may be avoided by voluntary exile, if undertaken before a majority has been reached in the process of voting.[2112] Even finable actions in which the proposed penalty is considerable, especially when the accused has held a higher magistracy, come before them. It is they who bestow offices on the deserving—the most honorable reward which the constitution grants to virtue. It is they who have absolute power to decide concerning the adoption or repeal of laws; and most important of all, it is they who deliberate concerning war and peace, and who ratify or reject proposals for alliances, truces, and treaties.[2113] These facts might lead one to suppose that the supreme power is with the people and that the government is a democracy.[2114] In the domestic administration the consuls are dependent on them for authorizing various kinds of business and are under obligations to execute their decrees.[2115] In war, however distant from home, the consul must still court their favor, to secure their ratification of his arrangements for peace; and on laying down his office he is liable to prosecution before them for maladministration.[2116] Hence he can afford to neglect them no more than he can the senate.[2117] The senate, too, is dependent upon the people for ratifying all serious penalties imposed by the courts, which are made up of senators.[2118] Similarly in matters directly concerning that body, the people have power to accept or reject proposals for diminishing its traditional authority, for depriving its members of dignities or offices, or even for lessening their means of livelihood.[2119] But the greatest popular restriction upon its authority is the tribunician veto, which can prevent it from passing a decree or even from holding a meeting. As the tribunes are under obligations to carry into effect the decisions of the people and in every way to have regard for their wishes,—for this and for the other reasons mentioned, the senate respects the people and cannot fail to neglect their feelings.[2120]