A key feature of the Roman Republic was its system of checks and balances, designed to prevent any single individual or group from gaining too much power. The Republic was characterized by a mixed constitution that included elements of democracy, aristocracy, and monarchy. Power was shared among elected officials, such as consuls and senators, along with popular assemblies. This structure aimed to ensure that the governance of Rome was in the hands of its citizenry, promoting civic involvement and accountability, and it profoundly influenced later democratic systems around the world.