Who wrote De Re Publica about political philosophy, and how many books was it?

The work "De Re Publica," which translates to "On the Commonwealth," is a significant text that delves into political philosophy and was indeed written by Cicero. This work is structured in six books, where Cicero explores the ideal state and the role of justice, law, and morality in governance.

Cicero's approach in this text mirrors some of the philosophical ideas presented by Plato in his own work "The Republic." However, while Plato's influence is evident, "De Re Publica" stands out within Roman literature as Cicero draws upon his experiences and thoughts regarding the political turmoil in Rome during his lifetime. The number of books is noteworthy as it reflects Cicero's comprehensive examination of the topic.

In contrast to Cicero’s six books, works by other authors listed do not match the title or the specific thematic concerns of this political treatise, thus clarifying the distinction between Cicero’s contributions and those of his contemporaries and predecessors.