3rd
Principle
The most promising method of securing
a virtuous and morally stable people
is to elect virtuous leaders.
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The Founders recognized human nature for what it is --
a mixture of good and evil. They reasoned that if people are
to govern themselves and have the best possible government,
then a political process should be developed through which
the wisest, the most experienced, and the most virtuous can
be precipitated to the surface and elected to public office.
Actually, mankind has no sensible option.
What the Founders hoped
to do was develop a spirit of public virtue by having leaders
of strong private virtue. It would be a new kind of "freemen
aristocracy" or "natural aristocracy" which would be open to
all, but inheritable by none. Every leader would have to rise
to his high office on personal merit, not the wealth and
reputation of his ancestors.
The natural tendency of nearly all people is to encourage
others to run for office, but not get involved themselves. The
Founders knew we could never enjoy strong self-government
unless this general perspective were changed. They wanted it
to be counted an honor to be drafted into "politics.
