How romans democracy work?

The Roman Republic was founded in 509 B.C.E. after the last Etruscan king that ruled Rome was overthrown. Rome's next government served as a representative democracy in the form of a republic. Initially, Rome's wealthiest families, the patricians, held power and only they could hold political or religious offices.

The highest positions in the government were held by two consuls, or leaders, who ruled the Roman Republic. A senate composed of patricians elected these consuls. ... Over time, the plebeians elected their own representatives, called tribunes, who gained the power to veto measures passed by the senate.

i am 99% sure that the increase of goods was because of nafta nafta stands for the north american free trade agreement to lift tariffs