Honestly kind of difficult. Sometimes it is very clear, yet often times it is murky. Also, who is this 'common man'? There is a diversity of men resulting in a diversity of opinions. Often times men sort themselves into factions. This is one of the fundamental flaws of both democracy and totalitarianism. With democracy, a mere 50% dictate what is law, even if it is immoral; often times a fleeting passion crosses the 50% for a moment, causing damage. With totalitarianism, the tyrant says he has the will of the people and anyone who opposes him is opposing the will of the people, thus evil in need of destruction.
True. Part of the reason they were impoverished was because the upper class brought slaves (foreign labor) into the heartland and replaced them economically.
Another lesson is that the common man would rather be ruled by a good dictator (Cæsar) than a corrupt oligarchy.
Interesting observation. Although in either case, how does the common man express a preference?
Honestly kind of difficult. Sometimes it is very clear, yet often times it is murky. Also, who is this 'common man'? There is a diversity of men resulting in a diversity of opinions. Often times men sort themselves into factions. This is one of the fundamental flaws of both democracy and totalitarianism. With democracy, a mere 50% dictate what is law, even if it is immoral; often times a fleeting passion crosses the 50% for a moment, causing damage. With totalitarianism, the tyrant says he has the will of the people and anyone who opposes him is opposing the will of the people, thus evil in need of destruction.
I suggest an alternative: submission to God's determination of right and wrong. Much better than the alternatives.
Yes. And to who the common man was in Rome at the time the republic fell, I guess it was the rank and file of the Populare.
It was the middle class that made up most of the rank and file of the Populares. The Optimares relied on foreign slaves.
Yes, and many of the Populares were ex-soldiers who had been made promises that were not kept and were impoverished.
True. Part of the reason they were impoverished was because the upper class brought slaves (foreign labor) into the heartland and replaced them economically.