What Is A Republic

What is a republic

1. What Is a Republic?
John Adams

2. Democracy vs. Republic
•Pure democracy
•Function: noun
•: democracy in which
the power is
exercised directly by
the people rather
than through
representatives
•Republic 1 a (1) : a
government having a chief of
state who is not a monarch
and who in modern times is
usually a president (2) : a
political unit (as a nation)
having such a form of
government b (1) : a
government in which supreme
power resides in a body of
citizens entitled to vote and
is exercised by elected
officers and representatives
responsible to them and
governing according to law.

3. Adams’ Key Points
•Some forms of government are are better
fitted for being well administered than
others.
•The form of government which brings
happiness to the greatest number of people
is the best.
•Fear is the foundation of most governments,
and Americans will not be likely to approve
a political institution which is founded on it.

4. Adams’ Key Points
•There are many types of Republics.
•A good government is an empire of laws.
•In a large society, inhabiting an extensive
country, it is impossible that the whole
should assemble to make laws.
•The 1st necessary step is to assign power
from the many to a few of the most wise
and good.

5. Adams’ Key Points
•The principal difficulty lies in
constituting this representative
assembly.
•It should be a miniature
portrait of the people at large.
•Great care should be taken to
prevent unfair, partial, and
corrupt elections.

6. Adams Proposed form of Government
LegislativeExecutive Judicial
Bodies of Government

7. Adams’ Key Points
•Different branches of government are
necessary to prevent to avoid one branch of
government becoming too powerful, and then
abusing that power.
•Elected officials should have a limit on how
long they may hold their office. This will teach
them humility, patience, and moderation.
•Judges should be appointed by governors for
life terms. They may be impeached for
misbehavior.

8. Adams’ Key Points
•A constitution founded on these principals
introduces knowledge among the people and
inspires them with a conscious dignity. That
elevation of sentiment inspired by such a
government, makes the common people
brave and enterprising.
•If a constitutional congress is formed, it
should contains a fair and adequate
representation of the colonies. Its’
authority should only apply to war, trade,
dispute between colonies, the post office,
and unappropriated lands.

9. •How few of the human race have ever enjoyed
an opportunity of making an election of
government, more than of air, soil, or climate,
for themselves or their children! When, before
the present epoch, had three millions of people
full power and a fair opportunity to form and
establish the wisest and happiest government
that human wisdom can contrive?
•John Adams 1776