The Fall of the Roman Republic

Paper Summary:

The paper explores how the people of Rome lost control of their government. The paper explains how the decline of Rome began during a period when taxes were desperately needed to support the activities of the Roman military. The paper further explains that the natural order began to fail the people of Rome, who in turn failed to react to protect their rights and to enforce the promise. The paper therefore labels the fall of Rome as a social failure, as opposed to a government failure.

Outline:
Introduction
The Republic of Rome
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"One of America's founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, when asked the question, "What kind of government is it?" is credited with responding, "You have a republic - if you can keep it." There is no reliable source for the quote, perhaps it is the product of someone's need to take the concept of the republic and the idea that one might work to maintain a republic that underlies the reasoning as to why Benjamin Franklin is credited with having said it. Whether he said it or not, the essence of it holds true."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Adams, Charles. "Beware the Ides of April: High Taxes - and the Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody." Policy Review (1994): 48+. Questia. 27 Nov. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000202930>.
• Heitland, W. E. A Short History of the Roman Republic. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1911. Questia. 27 Nov. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5961318>.
• Nifong, William R. "Promises Past: Marcus Atilius Regulus and the Dialogue of Natural Law." Duke Law Journal 49.4 (2000): 1077. Questia. 27 Nov. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001775975>.
• Shotter, David. The Fall of the Roman Republic. New York: Routledge, 1994. Questia. 27 Nov. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=108816571>.
• Smith, R. E. The Failure of the Roman Republic. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1955. Questia. 27 Nov. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=9018145>.

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