Plato described his ideal government in The Republic. In The Republic, Plato outlines his vision of a perfect city-state ruled by an elite group of "philosopher-kings." Plato argues that the ideal "kallipolis" or beautiful city would have three classes of citizens: producers, auxiliaries, and guardians. The guardians would be a select group of individuals who have been trained from youth in philosophy and justice and who rule over the city-state as "philosopher-kings." Plato argues that this method of governing, where the wisest rule and everyone fulfills the role for which they are best suited, would produce the most just and harmonious society. The key features of Plato's ideal government in The Republic are:
- Rule by an elite class of wise philosopher-kings
- Strict division of citizens into classes based on natural aptitudes and skills
- Common ownership of property, with no private wealth among the guardians
- Euthanasia for those who could not contribute to society
- Rigid censorship of literature, art and music
Plato believed this ideal government would provide the optimal conditions for maximizing justice and truth in the state, which were Plato's highest values and goals of government.