As the Roman territory expanded in the late republican years, the Senate became less effective, because it could not adapt to the changing requirements for government. Ultimately, its poor judgment and the rising power of the people led to the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Empire. The people rose partly because the generals began to pay the troops directly, causing a transformation from a citizen army to a professional army. Troops loyal to a power hungry commander could overthrow a government, as they did for Julius Caesar.
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