Somehow, I'm reminded of some of our "august" Posters !
The Roman republic, rather than having a hereditary “King” (a word hateful to a Roman's ear), elected two “Consuls” for a limited period to rule alongside the “Senate”.
During times of strife they would elect a “Dictator” to rule absolutely for a limited period of time.
Unlike the modern usage of the word, the Roman “Dictator” was an ELECTED position, and for a limited duration. Unlike the military rulers who appoint THEMSELVES “Dictator for life” nowadays.
Cincinnatus was the IDEAL Dictator. He took power when Rome was threatened, crushed the threat, then resigned his power and went back to his farm.
Our founders were so enamored of the Cincinnatus ideal that many formed the society of Cincinnatus, and the city of Cincinnati was named for this hero of Republican governance.