Founding father John Adams observed that a republic is, “a government of laws, and not of men.” Adams contrasted a republic with an empire, where, “what pleases the prince has the force of law.” In Adams view, a government of laws surpasses one where a single individual (or a small group) holds unlimited power. If the prince does not have to follow the laws in exercising his authority, the language of the laws is not significant. Nowadays, HOAs and condominiums advertise as “mini-democracies,” where an elected board implements powers prescribed by recorded instruments for the subdivision. In Virginia, when an owner purchases their lot, they get a packet including the declaration of covenants, easements, bylaws, articles of incorporation, and other disclosures.      Read the article………………………………….