John Adams outlines some key points about different forms of government in a 3 paragraph summary: 1) Some forms of government are better suited to being well administered than others, and the form that brings happiness to the most people is best. Fear should not be the foundation of government. 2) In a large republic, it is impossible for all citizens to make laws, so power must be assigned from many to a few wise representatives. Elections must be fair to prevent corruption. 3) Separating government powers prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful. Elected offices should have term limits, and judges should have life terms subject to removal for misbehavior.

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

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