It’s an oversimplification for sure, however they had the very first actual republic in history (loosely based on Plato’s politeia, which translated to res publica in Latin).

The ‘ditching it for an empire’ was a gross oversimplification, I agree. Put it in there as there’s some sawing going on at the legs of the American republic, by those of nominally republican persuasion.

Thnx for the detailed write up, though.