What would best describe the ordo decurionum?

The ordo decurionum refers to the local governing body or town council in Roman towns, which included members who would represent the interests of the community. Typically composed of local elites, these officials were responsible for administrative, financial, and judicial duties within their towns, thus playing a crucial role in the local governance structure. Their functions included overseeing public works, managing local taxes, and serving as a link between the Roman administration and the local populace. This description aligns closely with the nature of a town assembly, as the members would engage in discussions and decisions that affected the city and its citizens.

Understanding the significance of the ordo decurionum is essential to grasping how Roman cities operated at a local level. The other options describe different social groups or functions that do not directly correspond to the administrative role of the ordo decurionum. Soldiers, for instance, served military functions, while the wealthy plebeians and patrician class represent distinct social hierarchies in Roman society rather than a governing body.