There is another reason, of much
weight, against the gradual and partial renewal of a representative
assembly. It is useful that there should be a periodical general
muster of opposing forces, to gauge the state of the national mind,
and ascertain, beyond dispute, the relative strength of different
parties and opinions. This is not done conclusively by any partial
renewal, even where, as in some of the French constitutions, a large
fraction, a fifth or a third, go out at once.
The reasons for allowing to the executive the power of dissolution
will be considered in a subsequent chapter, relating to the
constitution and functions of the Executive in a representative
government.
Chapter 12
Ought Pledges to be Required from Members of Parliament?
SHOULD A member of the legislature be bound by the instructions of
his constituents? Should he be the organ of their sentiments, or of
his own? their ambassador to a congress, or their professional
agent, empowered not only to act for them, but to judge for them
what ought to be done? These two theories of the duty of a
legislator in a representative government have each its supporters,
and each is the recognised doctrine of some representative
governments. In the Dutch United Provinces, the members of the
States General were mere delegates; and to such a length was the
doctrine carried, that when any important question arose which had not
been provided for in their instructions, they had to refer back to
their constituents, exactly as an ambassador does to the government
from which he is accredited.
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