[markomalley]

Still, the warning that was given about what a King will do to you was true. Israel had no king, but they held together. When they had a king, the two kingdoms split with in a few generations

Got it.

If you have a people (and leadership) who largely live by the teachings of Christ, I figure that it doesn't really matter what form of government you have.

If you have a people (and leadership) who largely ignore the teachings of Christ, I figure that the form of government won't help much.

Sadly, we are in the second scenario right now.

[redgolum]

If men were angles, then no government would be needed.

My view is that if you keep the power separated, and competing, you limit chance for mischief. Once one group gets to much, it will work to destroy the other powers.

The other view is that having a strong central authority makes change easier. There is less people to work through. Both have their merits.