How is the US government similar to the Roman Republic? It has a legislative branch with two houses. It has life terms for members of the Senate. It has a system for appointing a dictator during times of crisis. It has two chief executives who can check each other's power. How is the US government similar to the Roman Republic? It has a legislative branch with two houses. It has life terms for members of the Senate. It has a system for appointing a dictator during times of crisis. It has two chief executives who can check each other's power.