Hello /r/askhistorians,
I come to you, not so much with a specific question, but a plea for help and ideas. I am attempting to write an essay with the aim of justifying the changes made to Roman politics, administration, and ultimately the balance of power during the early principate. I've structured my research into the bog-standard before, during, after approach, focusing on the reign of Augustus. I've looked at the primary sources, and secondary sources such as Sands, Salmon, Talbert and Syme to find out exactly how Rome itself, and her holdings, allies and enemies were managed during the late Republic, and then what was changed under Augustus. What I am lacking is an idea of how to actually assess the success of these political changes, justifying if they were "advantageous" to the empire. Of course, the flourishing of the Pax Romana is testament to the unifying effect Augustus had on the empire after such a long period of turmoil, but I am unsure as to how I can approach, dissect and tie such a large phenomenon back to my thesis.
Any suggestions for a potential structure, or secondary source material that may help me on my way would be wholeheartedly appreciated.
I would say to refine your question a bit. Who gained by the political changes and who lost? Maybe look at one group (landowners or active soldiers or veterans or senators or proletarii or provincial elite, or whoever). I would also suggest you look either at Italy/Rome or at the empire, not both.
I think you might want to look at Brunt's The Fall of the Roman Republic both "The Army and the Land" and "The Fall of the Roman Republic." Here he gives a view of the revolution from the soldiers and from the wealthy.
Next you could check out Caesar's Legacy by Josiah Osgood. He gives a good look at life under the Second Triumvirate. It's probably the best cultural analysis of the period.
Finally you could look at Augustan Culture by Galinsky for an in depth look at the way people reflected on Augustus and the changes he brought.
These three will give you a little different view of the Roman Revolution that isn't as top-heavy and help you get at how different groups experienced it differently.