[RickC]

SPQR = Senatus Populus que Romanus - the Senate and the Roman People. The proud reality (and later, under the Emperors, fiction) that Rome was ruled by its people and representatives - a reality that allowed them to accomplish more on battlefields and trading posts than their oppressed contemporaries for the simple reason that no matter their race, Citizens of Rome were free (men at least, not women, not slaves).

Eliminate slavery, add women to full citizenship, and harness all that free people can do, and you have a good basis for America's power today.

Not perfect by any means, but no absolute rulers/Emperors yet!

(And despite the hysterical press of the last dozen-odd years (Clinton/GW), Lincoln has come closest!)