(05.06 HC) The following passage from Baron de Montesquieu’s…
(05.06 HC) The following passage from Baron de Montesquieu’s The Spirit of the Laws was often quoted during the debates on the Constitution of the United States in 1787. Use this passage to answer the following question: It is natural to a republic to have only a small territory, otherwise it cannot long subsist. In a large republic there are men of large fortunes, and consequently of less moderation…. In a large republic, the public good is sacrificed to a thousand views; it is subordinate to exceptions, and depends on accidents. In a small one, the interest of the public is easier perceived, better understood, and more within the reach of every citizen; abuses are of less extent, and of course are less protected.Public Domain Based on the passage, which aspect of government does Montesquieu fear most? (5 points)