Plato was the man to think up the republic form of government. He believed that the government should be there to help maintain the common welfare. In order to run the nation he believed the leaders needed to be the wisest people from the nation. These men, “Philosopher-kings”, would be selected based on their decision making abilities. Plato believed that the average person can’t make good political decisions and should be left out of the decision making process. This form of government also relied on the citizens to do their part and keep with their “civic duties”. Plato’s republic would be very orderly and everyone would have a place and need to stick to their job to make the republic function well.

Cicero believed in the Roman republic which was made up of ideas and forms

Montesquieu refined the ideas of Plato and Cicero into three basic points. These three things are needed to be fulfilled in order to have a working government that preserves the common welfare. First the leaders and the people need to be dedicated and uphold their civic virtues to maintain the common welfare, even if this means sacrificing their own interests. A system of checks and balances must be set up in order to make sure the government doesn’t abuse their powers. And finally, the nation being governed needs to be small so there are not as many view points and less arguing to maintain the common welfare.

Locke also believed in the natural state and that everyone is granted natural which no one can interfere with. He believed that everyone has the right to life, liberty, and property and no others can infringe on those rights. Locke believed that the main role of the government should be to protect the people’s natural rights. Locke never wanted there to be a sovereign power and that there should be limits placed on the government’s power to be sure it remains fair. He believed in checks and balances

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