The Roman Empire came, sadly, out of the slow decay of the Roman Republic. The transformation was subtle and long-term; the key reason appears to be that the Roman Constitution was designed for the governance of Rome and her environs, and was undermined over time as Rome began to conquer overseas territories. The office of "Tribune of the People" became the key office in exploiting the spoils of foreign countries; factions vying for that office became corrupt in its attainment and execution. Because of the infighting and political stagnation, eventually one man consolidated enough power to become Emperor. Considering the United States in the world today and its disregard for its founding documents and focus on the all-powerful Office of the President, one can't help be struck with the similarities, and how history repeats itself, and if, in fact, the American Republic founded only a few hundred years ago is now the American Empire. See a more detailed history of the Late Roman Republic at the link:
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