The Founding Fathers Looked to Rome

Davis: The American Founding Fathers learned so much from the Roman Republic.  Both nations were sick of tyrannical monarchs, so both revolted: America against King George III, and Rome against Tarquin Superbus.  Without kings, both nations needed to elect consuls and presidents, which are alike in their authority.  Both are elected by the people and both have a set time that they can serve.  Who can declare war is an important topic in all countries, but in America the legislative branch and in Rome the Senate decides if the country goes to war.  In those ways the Roman government had a huge impact on the United States.

Ryan: There are some similarities and differences between the American government and the Roman Republic.  America and Rome were both tired of kings, so the Romans overthrew King Tarquin and the Americans beat King George III in the Revolutionary War.  Both Rome and America made a document of laws that would rule over everyone.  The Romans' document of laws is called the Twelve Tables, and the Americans' was called the Constitution.  In Rome, they had two consuls that reigned for one year.  In America, we have a president that holds his office for four years.  The Founding Fathers chose four years because a year was too short to re-elect each year.  Those are some ways that the Romans and Americans shared similarities and differences in government.