Is America doomed to repeat Rome's failures in regards to republicanism?

This is not a "death to America!" rant. This is a question meant to inspire one's thoughts and answers. Rome fell from that of a republic into dictatorship. Could America experience a similar trend? Now, of course there are many who insist we already live in a kind of dictatorship. But I'm pointing towards a dictatorship in which the people no longer have the right/ability to elect government officials, and live under severe, oppressive conditions. So, do you think America stands the chance of falling into the trap the Roman Empire did? Why, or why not?