“In all ages, whatever the form and name of government, be it monarchy, republic, or a democracy, an oligarchy lurks behind the facade. And Roman history, republican or imperial, is the history of the governing class. “
Here I want to suggest you an exercise. You can (and I think you should) organise yourself a month-long course in political theory. How? By reading The Roman Revolution
It is a very intense & unsentimental book covering the political transition of Rome, from Republic to Empire