Which led most directly to the roman republic's demise and its transition to an empire?
the growing divide between the rich and the poor
the failure of direct democracy
consuls staying in power too long
war with the etruscans

The correct answer should be the growing divide between the rich and the poor. The consuls and the senators were getting richer and richer and more powerful while the people were suffering. It all climaxed with Caesar, after which there was a transition to an Empire whose goal was to end corruption of government officials who only cared about their own personal wealth.