How did the Roman Senate continue to function under Tiberius?

Under the reign of Tiberius, the Roman Senate continued to function as a body that maintained outward prestige and administrative responsibilities, though it remained entirely subordinate to the emperor.

Following the precedent set by Augustus, the Senate operated under the following conditions:

• Administrative Role: It remained at the head of ordinary administration for Rome and Italy and continued to oversee certain provinces that did not require a military presence.1
• Judicial Functions: The Senate served as a high court of law, competent to try cases such as extortion within senatorial provinces.1
• Legislative and Financial Duties: While it nominally administered the treasury, its influence was overshadowed by the emperor. Its decrees functioned as binding laws, though they did not hold the formal status of legislative bills.1
• Subordination: The emperor held ultimate authority, as he could convene and preside over the Senate, control its membership, and dictate its agenda.1

In his later years, Tiberius became a reclusive tyrant, and his relationship with the Senate deteriorated into a reign of terror directed against Rome's major figures.2