To be more specific, I'm referring to the years of weak leadership prior to major barbarian invasions, and by "average citizen," I mean citizens who would not be in positions of governing or military power, regardless of class.
Would they have an awareness of relative power or day-to-day effectiveness of their government, or would their minds be more on immediate, local issues?
Did the people feel like there might've been any role they could play in stabilizing and strengthening Rome?
The common depiction of Roman citizens is of those completely distracted by "bread and circus." How true might that representation be?
So, just clearing up something about your question: you're asking about the fall of the empire, right? Circa 476 CE? That's completely different and 500 years removed from the fall of the Republic.
The common depiction of Roman citizens is of those completely distracted by "bread and circus." How true might that representation be?
Nobody who studies the urban plebs takes the idea of the "idler population" seriously anymore. The majority of inhabitants in Rome had to work, and work quite hard. Just yesterday there was this question, which might be of use to you.
The Republic and Empire are separated by centuries, however, so I have no idea what in particular you're asking about