A plebeian in ancient Rome was a member of the common people, as opposed to a patrician or a member of the nobility. Plebeians did not have the same political rights as patricians, but they could vote in the plebeian assembly and elect their own representatives, known as tribunes, who could veto laws passed by the patrician-dominated senate. Plebeians could not hold most public offices, but they could serve in the military and rise to high rank. Some plebeians became wealthy and influential through trade and commerce, although they still lacked the political power of the patricians.