When considering the framework of ancient times and current forms of government, and considering its limited representative elements, Rome remains an outstanding example of a successful ancient government. People were divided into different classes. Patricians were wealthy citizens of Rome. When the Roman Empire started to grow and Rome became a powerful city, top government position became more and more popular. Therefore, more and more ambitious men got involved in government. These men believed that Rome would be better served by one man governing the city and the empire, in contrast to a group of elected officials. These sole rulers were called emperors. If elections were reasonably democratic, the role of the Senate was not. Most decisions