Let us now summarize how the model of government described in the Constitution compares to the Roman Republic:
Two houses in the legislature – both.
A senior body of experienced men and a junior body close to the people – both
Senators elected by the people - neither
A senior magistrate as executive – United States one; Rome two.
One male landholders can vote – both
At the time of the Constitution’s ratification, our government was as close to the Roman Republic as it would ever be. And then things began to change as we moved in the direction of a democracy. The property qualification was steadily reduced until about 1850 when it was removed completely; the electors came to be chosen by the people instead of the state legislatures, giving the people a direct say in electing the president; and finally, in 1910, the law for electing senators was changed to allow the people to elect them directly.