Summary Of A Small Republic

My fellow countrymen, I stand before you today in order to defend the necessity of small republics for democracy and liberty. Let us begin with Montesquieu’s simple thesis: Large republics are incapable of self-government because of the massive and inevitable diversity of their populations and of the interests of that population (153). This leads to a corruption of the principles of democracy and ends liberty. Using Montesquieu’s elegantly argued The Spirit of Laws as a framework to discuss and reflect upon the principles of a democratic republic and the necessity of a small republic, I hope to articulate herein the reasons you should come to see this most brilliant insight, honorable gentlemen. Firstly, let us discuss the principles of democracy

In seeing interests too varied, a ruler or executive is forced to impose domination onto the people he is supposed to serve (Montesquieu 140). This not only once again corrupts the principles of democracy, but it also weakens the entire collective of states. Such domination incites the people to rise up against those that govern them and to expel them and challenge their ability to govern and lead a free people – much as Shay’s rebellion demonstrates. Montesquieu is wise here to realize that the only way to govern large swaths of land is only through monarchy and despotism – that of which we have only so recently freed ourselves from (142). When large amounts of territory are placed under a single government, the only way it can govern itself is through coercion and force. In a mid-sized territory, failure to do so leads to the rise of an aristocracy that will, much like the aforementioned wealthy man, will see the oppression of their fellow man as the means necessary to advance their own wealth (Montesquieu 141). In a large territory, despotic command becomes necessary to ensure that the laws and powers of the government are followed quickly and immediately so that the territory can be adequately governed (Montesquieu 142). Both of these would lead to violence and the destruction of liberty and