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How does architecture become a uniquely Roman way of self expression as society and nation?

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1. if you mean, the times of the roman empire i might be able to answer. roman architecture in ancient times was quite innovative, and it was a reflex of their society. they needed spaces to gather and hear wise people speak to the masses, they built theaters, they need to have wild fun, they built the roman circus.., they even had public bathrooms. things were quite democratic, everyone was involved . and there was always a direct connection between their needs and what they built, so that might the self expression part you are askign about. as for uniqueness, well, roman arqchitecture had a close relative. greek architecture, so you can question is uniqueness, but the romans addes the curved roof, which at its time was quite a technological acomplishment. the roman empire expanded thru many places, and whereever they wnet they would built, so the roman nation had its presence here and there.
2. Thomas Jefferson fostered Classical (Roman) architecture in this country because it made an imposing statement ( to England at that time) about our nation as the seat of Democracy, strong and sovereign, as in the ancient regime. (Classics is the branch of the Humanities comprising the languages, literature, philosophy, history, art, archeology and other culture of the ancient Mediterranean World; especially Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome during Classical Antiquity.) Stylistically, Jefferson was a proponent of the Greek and Roman styles, which he believed to be most representative of American democracy by historical association. In keeping with the ancient classical emphasis on education,Thomas Jefferson designed the University fo Virginia, donating thousands of his books; he established free education in this country. Jefferson believed educating people was a good way to establish an organized society, and also felt schools should be paid for by the general public, so less wealthy people could obtain student membership as well
3. It sent out a very clear message - look how awesome we are, and fear us. Hadrian's Wall a coast to coast defensive work, the Circus Maximus (the largest sports stadium ever built, capable of seating 350,000 spectators), Hadrian's Pantheon,the baths of Caracalla, numerous cities throughout the empire, were all intended to awe and impress not just Roman citizens but the subjects of the wider empire, slaves, and visiting provincials,merchants, barbarians, and dignitaries. The 'fear us' message can be seen on the many structures and engravings dedicated to the army and its victories. Trajan's Column, the Arch of Titus, the Arch of Constantine show endless numbers of barbarians bowing down before their Roman masters, or cowering and falling under their swords. By comparison, Greek architecture concentrated on glorifying their gods and looking aesthetic; Persian architecture celebrated the diversity of the races within the empire. It was only Roman architecture which reflected its aggressive society and nation, being specifically built to awe,impress, and frighten outsiders and barbarians.