A significant factor in the rise of the Roman Republic was the establishment of a representative government following the overthrow of the last Etruscan king, Tarquin the Proud, in 509 BCE. The republican system allowed for elected officials, such as consuls and senators, to represent the interests of the citizenry rather than a monarchy. This shift fostered a sense of civic duty and participation among the Roman elite and later expanded to include broader segments of society. The political innovations and legal frameworks introduced during this period laid the groundwork for Roman expansion and governance.