AN OUTLINE OF THE SPIRIT OF THE LAWS

I. The kinds of law (Book I)

II. The various traditional alternative forms of government,  newly categorized and explained (Books II-VIII)

III. Transition: emphasis on the need for/ means to security against other nations (Books IX-X)

IV. Liberty as the proper goal of government; the laws and constitutions conducive to it (Books XI-XIII)

V. Obstacles to the application of the principles of free government elsewhere in the world (climate, etc.) (Books XIV-XIX)

VI. Commerce and population (Books XX-XXIII)

VII. Law and religion/ religious morality (Books XXIV-XXVI)

VIII. Historical roots of French law; guidance on how to accomplish a gradual but sweeping reformation of the French constitution and laws (Books XXVII-XXXI)