Question

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) Select one: a. a government with clear separation of powers because its power to act is limited b. an elected representative government because it can easily perceive the needs of the public c. a government that replaces the need of many with the needs of a few d. a small republic because humans cannot be trusted to make personal sacrifices

Answer 1

The correct answer should be
c. a government that replaces the need of many with the needs of a few

He states that in a large government only the few chosen ones can see what's happening everywhere and how it will affect them so they can manipulate it. In small governments, everyone can see what's happening so it's not easy to manipulate people because they all participate.