What are some consequences when a country experiences a
downturn in the economy?

The consequences of a declining economy would be sky high rate of unemployment and lower wages. It can also affect education and investment oppurtunities negatively

Explanation:

We call this period of time a "recession" where the economy just basically starts declining down. The great depression is an extreme example of recession but gets the point through. Business start to lose money so they start taking off their workers to cut as few losses as they can.  

julius caesar turned the roman republic into the roman empire by coming in and taking the "dictator" role during the time of a civil war (elites vs lower classes) winning battles and reputation, then declaring him dictator for life

hope this : )