8.16. 16. Distinctive Properties of a Republic.
It is natural for a republic to have only a small territory;
otherwise it cannot long subsist. In an extensive republic there are men
of large fortunes, and consequently of less moderation; there are trusts
too considerable to be placed in any single subject; he has interests of
his own; he soon begins to think that he may be happy and glorious, by
oppressing his fellow-citizens; and that he may raise himself to
grandeur on the ruins of his country.
In an extensive republic the public good is sacrificed to a thousand
private views; it is subordinate to exceptions, and depends on
accidents. In a small one, the interest of the public is more obvious,
better understood, and more within the reach of every citizen; abuses
have less extent, and of course are less protected.
The long duration of the republic of Sparta was owing to her having
continued in the same extent of territory after all her wars. The sole
aim of Sparta was liberty; and the sole advantage of her liberty, glory.
It was the spirit of the Greek republics to be as contented with
their territories as with their laws. Athens was first fired with
ambition and gave it to Lacedmon; but it was an ambition rather of
commanding a free people than of governing slaves; rather of directing
than of breaking the union. All was lost upon the starting up of
monarchy — a government whose spirit is more turned to increase of
dominion.
Excepting particular circumstances,
[29]
it is difficult for any
other than a republican government to subsist longer in a single town. A
prince of so petty a state would naturally endeavour to oppress his
subjects, because his power would be great, while the means of enjoying
it or of causing it to be respected would be inconsiderable. The
consequence is, he would trample upon his people. On the other hand,
such a prince might be easily crushed by a foreign or even a domestic
force; the people might any instant unite and rise up against him. Now
as soon as the sovereign of a single town is expelled, the quarrel is
over; but if he has many towns, it only begins.
Footnotes
[29]
As when a petty sovereign supports himself between two great
powers by means of their mutual jealousy; but then he has only a
precarious existence.
