Final answer:
The Roman military draft system faced several problems, including the strain of long-term conflicts on soldiers, changes in soldier loyalty from the state to individual generals, and the societal disadvantages such as disruptions in trade and famine. Additionally, the logistical and financial challenges of maintaining an expansive standing army contributed to the decline of Roman power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Roman military draft system, while initially adequate during the times of the Republic, began to present several issues as the empire expanded. One of the main problems was the strain on soldiers who were often expected to campaign for extended periods, which became a regular expectation during the imperial period, especially on the expanding frontiers.
Furthermore, soldiers of the Roman Republic were traditionally property owners who served only for specific campaigns, but the long-term conflicts and expansion of the empire led to many soldiers turning into career soldiers. This change created a shift in loyalty, from the state towards individual generals who promised rewards for service. This shift had a destabilizing effect on the Roman state as it fueled the ambitions of generals over the interests of the Republic and later the Empire.
In addition, the continuous conflicts took a toll on the Roman population. Loss of life and property burdened many, and there were societal disadvantages such as disruptions to regional markets and famines caused by interrupted grain supplies. Lastly, the financial and logistical burdens of maintaining far-flung campaigns and a large standing army were immense, leading to taxing reforms and contributing to the eventual decline of Roman power.