America owes much to Italy. That includes modern Italy, and not just Ancient Rome—though our debts there are particularly clear, from inspiring “Publius”, the nom de plume of the author(s) of the Federalist Papers, to many an American town, river, and county’s name, to physical architecture, to the very shape of our political regime.
Congratulating the Italian people on the 80th anniversary of their democracy on June 2, Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted: As the United States celebrates its 250th year of independence, we honor the profound influence that Rome’s republican traditions had on our Founding Fathers. Just as Rome’s legacy shaped the birth of American democracy, today’s partnership between the United States and Italy continues to advance the values of faith, liberty, and rule of law that both nations hold dear.
