Only a Roman citizen held the status of "pater familias", and there could be only one holder of that office within a household. He was responsible for its well-being, reputation and legal and moral propriety. The entire "familia" was expected to adhere to the core principles and laws of the Twelve Tables, which the "pater familias" had a duty to exemplify, enjoin and, if necessary, enforce, so within the "familia" Republican law and tradition ("mos majorum") allowed him powers of life and death ("vitae necisque potestas"). He was also obliged to observe the constraints imposed by Roman custom and law on all "potestas". His decisions should be obtained through counsel, consultation and consent within the familia, which were decisions by committee ("consilium"). The family "consilia" probably involved the most senior members of his own household, especially his wife, and, if necessary, his peers and seniors within his extended clan ("gens").