Roman-style Government in America? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Pearl Trade · 10-28-2010, 05:24 PM

What would it be like if there was the Roman-style government in the USA? With the termed dictators and senate power and all that good stuff. I'd like to be more specific on what exactly a Roman-style government is all about, but I don't know many details of the system they ran so well for so long. I find the (correct me if I'm wrong) two year limit for dictators fascinating, and you have to wonder how the absolute power for a short time like that would affect us in this era.

If that system was used today, what would it be like? Better? Worse?

Willravel · 10-28-2010, 05:41 PM

It's a very interesting question, but do you mean Rome the kingdom, republic, or empire? Rome went through several incarnations of government. It sounds like you're referring either to the republic or the empire (or more likely something inbetween). I'm hardly an expert on Roman history, but I read The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire back in college and I think I still have the books somewhere. I'd be glad to add whatever insights I can.

Pearl Trade · 10-29-2010, 11:47 AM

You got me on that one. I didn't know there were different phrases, I thought it was an empire, kingdom, and a republic all in one. A superpower in its best definition. If you could explain the major differences between the three
governments you mentioned, that would be great. I could probably answer your question then, but I'll attempt to explain it here.

When you think of ancient Rome, what do you think of? I think of gladiators and powerful senators and insane dictators. From my understanding, the senate held most of the power and was sometimes ultra-corrupted, while they had a new dictator who could do whatever they wanted every couple years.

I'm obviously not educated on Roman government (damn you Hollywood!), so any opinion on what their government style would be like in America is appreciated.

Willravel · 10-29-2010, 11:59 AM

I have to say, I'm impressed with the wiki article on the Senate of the Roman Republic. I'm going to have to read this (then grab lunch), then get back to this.

Ourcrazymodern? · 11-05-2010, 01:01 PM

Americans are nothing like Romans: Social responsibility is not as ingrained, nor is death so near. Even if we ruled the known world, it's too encompassed at this point to imagine domination - isn't it?

10-28-2010, 05:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
Pearl Trade Addict Location: Houston, Texas	Roman-style Government in America? What would it be like if there was the Roman-style government in the USA? With the termed dictators and senate power and all that good stuff. I'd like to be more specific on what exactly a Roman-style government is all about, but I don't know many details of the system they ran so well for so long. I find the (correct me if I'm wrong) two year limit for dictators fascinating, and you have to wonder how the absolute power for a short time like that would affect us in this era. If that system was used today, what would it be like? Better? Worse? __________________ Our revenge will be the laughter of our children. Give me convenience or give me death!

10-28-2010, 05:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	It's a very interesting question, but do you mean Rome the kingdom, republic, or empire? Rome went through several incarnations of government. It sounds like you're referring either to the republic or the empire (or more likely something inbetween). I'm hardly an expert on Roman history, but I read The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire back in college and I think I still have the books somewhere. I'd be glad to add whatever insights I can. Last edited by Willravel; 10-29-2010 at 11:53 AM.. Reason: insights, not incites

10-29-2010, 11:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
Pearl Trade Addict Location: Houston, Texas	You got me on that one. I didn't know there were different phrases, I thought it was an empire, kingdom, and a republic all in one. A superpower in its best definition. If you could explain the major differences between the three governments you mentioned, that would be great. I could probably answer your question then, but I'll attempt to explain it here. When you think of ancient Rome, what do you think of? I think of gladiators and powerful senators and insane dictators. From my understanding, the senate held most of the power and was sometimes ultra-corrupted, while they had a new dictator who could do whatever they wanted every couple years. I'm obviously not educated on Roman government (damn you Hollywood!), so any opinion on what their government style would be like in America is appreciated. __________________ Our revenge will be the laughter of our children. Give me convenience or give me death!

11-05-2010, 01:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
Ourcrazymodern? still, wondering. Location: South Minneapolis, somewhere near the gorgeous gorge	Americans are nothing like Romans: Social responsibility is not as ingrained, nor is death so near. Even if we ruled the known world, it's too encompassed at this point to imagine domination - isn't it? __________________ BE JUST AND FEAR NOT

10-29-2010, 11:59 AM	#4 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	I have to say, I'm impressed with the wiki article on the Senate of the Roman Republic. I'm going to have to read this (then grab lunch), then get back to this.