The specific problem that led Rome to change from a monarchy to a republic was the dissatisfaction of the wealthy landowners (patricians) with the absolute power of the monarchy. They wanted more say in the government and the ability to participate in decision-making processes. The patricians formed a senate to share power with the king, but eventually overthrew the monarchy and established a republican form of government with a system of checks and balances to prevent the concentration of power in one person or group. This transition occurred in 509 BCE.
