Constitution

The best constitution mixes monarchy and democracy, binding even rulers to the authority of law.

The constitution is the arrangement of offices that defines a regime; the best regime mixes oligarchic and democratic elements.

The best constitution is a mixed regime in which law expresses the reason of the community, not the will of the prince alone.

Sovereign power is absolute and indivisible; no constitutional arrangement can bind the sovereign without destroying sovereignty itself.

Government rests on the consent of the governed; the legislative power is supreme but bounded by natural law and the trust of the people.

Liberty depends on the separation of legislative, executive, and judicial powers; when any two are united, freedom is lost.

The general will of the people is the sole foundation of legitimate law; sovereignty cannot be represented or divided.

A well-constructed constitution channels ambition against ambition through checks, balances, and the separation of powers across an extended republic.

The best constitution is representative government that balances competent administration with broad popular participation.