what destroyed Rome.....

 "The American Republic was bound 

- is still bound - 

to follow in the centuries to come the same course to destruction as did Rome." 

- Robert Welch

"Ancient Rome declined because it had a Senate, 

now what's going to happen to us with both a House and a Senate?" 

- Will Rogers

Rome offered pensions to its military forces in exchange for their service. 

As Rome became less stable, it was forced to pay its troops more for their service.
The U.S. government is following in their footsteps.