What navigator took a meticulously planned trip of exploration, scientific examination, and political and economic strategy based on almost three centuries of previous exploration, and tasked with the (unachieved) goal of being perfectly safe?

LAPEROUSE.

Explanation: Full name Jean-François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse born 23 August 1741 was a French Naval officer and explorer whose expedition vanished in Oceania.

His expedition's aims were to complete the Pacific discoveries of James Cook, correct and complete maps of the area, establish trade contacts, open new maritime routes and enrich French science and scientific collections.

depends on what they need

according to classical republican political theory, which democratic republics would function best?

a.   small republics, with people who had similar interests

b.   large republics, with people who had competing interests

c.   republics made up entirely of landowners

d.   republics made up entirely of servants