In times of crisis, what were the consuls allowed to do? .

The consuls were allowed to appoint a Dictator. The dictator had full power over every magistrate, was in charge for 6 months or until the crisis was taken care of, whichever was first, had full power over the army and senate, was followed by 24 lictors, and had all the powers of the ancient kings of Rome. The consuls still had power, it was simply limited because of the Dictator.