The words and phrases that indicate the author's idea or message about the Roman government are:
1. "The Romans, more than any other people of ancient times, understood how to establish a well-ordered state": This implies that the author sees the Romans as exceptionally skilled in creating an organized and structured government.
2. "Respect for order and law among them was very great": This suggests that the author believes the Romans held a high regard for maintaining order and following laws, indicating a positive view of their governance.
3. "The idea of a government with a definite constitution, which the rulers should always respect, and which should be an adequate protection to the people against oppression": This portrays the author's view that the Romans had the concept of a government with a constitution that rulers were expected to adhere to, providing protection to the people from oppressive actions.
4. "Had never occurred to any of the Asiatic nations": This statement contrasts the Romans with Asiatic nations, implying that the author considers the Roman government's ideas of constitutional governance and protection against oppression to be unique and distinct from other ancient civilizations.
Overall, the author's message is that the Romans had a deep understanding of establishing an ordered state, emphasized respect for law and order, and had a concept of government with a constitution as protection against oppression, setting them apart from other ancient civilizations.