More importantly, Under the Republic, the Roman Senate helped ensure that there would not be any tyrants. Ultimately, the Senate failed and Julius Caesar and then Augustus Caesar came to power. They began the growth of power within government and figured out creative ways to collect taxes. Later emperors created the first welfare state with their "Bread and Circuses" policies. Nero, Caligula and others brought sexual scandal into the highest offices in the land. And yes, for whatever reason, the Roman Empire, along with its political system, collapsed on itself.
Does any of this resonate with anybody today?
Bread and circuses = welfare? Yep.