I've decided to answer another study question:

What happened to the Republic under Augustus? What were the sources of his power? How could he say that he had more auctoritas but no more power than anyone else?

Under Augustus, the remains of the old Republic were molded into the new Empire.  Augustus did not return to the Republic form of government but nevertheless kept part of its governmental structure in form, if not substance.  Perhaps in this way he was able to appease those who were still attached to the ways of old while moving on to the new Roman reality which involved a powerful emperor who would now call the shots.  The sources for Augustus' power included this careful structuring of government, as well as his foresight into retaining power over the military and sources of Roman wealth.  Augustus therefore had a multi-layered plan which would provide his own reign with stability and power.  He might have said he had more “auctoritas” but no more power than others because he handed his power over to the Senate, only to have it conferred back upon himself.  This would have created the idea that he was not a dictator but a true leader who was rightfully assigned the rulership over Rome.  It might also have created the perception that the Senate could take power away from him if they so chose….even if this ultimately would have been false.