Such
are among the dangers of representative government, arising from a
constitution of the representation which does not secure an adequate
amount of intelligence and knowledge in the representative assembly.
We next proceed to the evils arising from the prevalence of modes of
action in the representative body, dictated by sinister interests
(to employ the useful phrase introduced by Bentham), that is,
interests conflicting more or less with the general good of the
community.
It is universally admitted that, of the evils incident to
monarchical and aristocratic governments, a large proportion arise
from this cause. The interest of the monarch, or the interest of the
aristocracy, either collective or that of its individual members, is
promoted, or they themselves think that it will be promoted, by
conduct opposed to that which the general interest of the community
requires. The interest, for example, of the government is to tax
heavily: that of the community is to be as little taxed as the
necessary expenses of good government permit. The interest of the
king, and of the governing aristocracy, is to possess, and exercise,
unlimited power over the people; to enforce, on their part, complete
conformity to the will and preferences of the rulers. The interest
of the people is to have as little control exercised over them in
any respect as is consistent with attaining the legitimate ends of
government.
Pages:
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141