The origins of American democracy had their roots hundreds of years before the Founding Fathers were even born. Greece and Rome, powerful nation states well known for their expansive empires and widespread influence, have survived the test of time thanks to their impact on other civilizations (e.g. America). America, founded on Greco-Roman principles, grew “from sea to sea” under a government recognized for its stability and opportunity. The Founding Fathers used their education in ancient history to create the foundation of American law and government. By studying the successes and mistakes of the past, the Founders were able to fashion a system of policies that they hoped would ensure freedom and happiness for their posterity. The ideals of famous Roman writers fermented into the democratic character of the American Constitution. The problems of the Greek city-state of Sparta led the Founders to disfavor collectivism. The Founding Fathers were influenced by Greco-Roman governmental structure, ideological principles, and murderous mistakes. The structure of American representative government was greatly shaped by the political systems of the Roman Republic. By definition, a republic is a type of government that uses elected officials to manage a state and its voters. Roman law began to be written as a constitution in 450 BC and known as the Law of the Twelve Tables, it was a collection of laws and traditions. The Twelve Tables ensured that the common citizens of Rome, the plebeians, were not unjustly persecuted by the aristocracy, known as the patricians. This was a significant step forward for civil rights, and the republic was able to form a mixed government of three distinct branches: the office of Consuls, the Senate... half of paper... , and throwing the discus and the javelin. Those who failed the training risked social rejection from their families and friends. Girls trained to survive childbirth and give birth to the next generation of brave warriors. Boys trained to be heroic soldiers, indoctrinated to die for Sparta rather than run from death. Even though this harsh social system allowed Sparta to have the largest army in all of Greece, it still poisoned the minds of the Spartans. Spartan paranoia of being conquered led to the advancement of military strength, but also led to a neglect of stability within the Spartan community (Richard). Being an individual in a society based on human availability is impossible, and it is precisely this defect that pushed the Founders to underline the importance of individuality, remembered in the saying "e pluribus unum" or "of many there is one”.”.