Montesquieu checks and balances

3:1—There is no great share of probity necessary to support a monarchical or despotic government: the force of laws, in one, and the prince’s arm, in the other, are sufficient to direct and maintain the whole: but, in a popular state, one spring more is necessary, namely, virtue.

. .

When virtue is banished, ambition invades the minds of those who are disposed to receive it, and avarice possesses the whole community. . .

Baron de montesquieu checks and balances

. The members of the commonwealth riot on the public spoils, and its strength is only the power of a few, and the license of many.

4:5—It is in a republican government that the whole power of education is required. . .

Montesquieu separation of powers

. [V]irtue is a self-renunciation, which is very arduous and painful.

This virtue may be defined as the love of the laws and of our country. As such love requires a constant preference of public to private interest, it is the source of all private virtues.

8:16—It is natural for a republic to ha