Yet, these are two of the most precious gifts and intellectual creations that have been invented and promulgated throughout post-enlightenment society and for which we are truly indebted to the ancient Greeks. Many individuals in modern societies take the benedictions associated with political liberty and equality under the law for granted. In such a system, the rule of the few allows a small group or even one man to subjugate the rest of the people in society. Authoritarian governments act through despotic power. In these, the rule through constitutional law is not recognised, and people are subjects and not citizens. 4 This political system differs from many authoritarian governments. Whether this is for a congressman or a member of Parliament, these individuals act as representatives of the people and are chosen by common suffrage. Those who hold offices of state represent the people. No individual in such a society is politically superior to another. The notion of equality in such a system is not economic equality but rather equality under the law. Through this, the citizens act as the constituent members of the state and form the sovereign power or ruling class. 2 As citizens, a constitutional republic or democracy is formed under the people’s sovereign power. However, the United Kingdom has a form of constitution that limits the power of the government and creates citizens rather than subjects. 1 Unlike Britain, the United States has a written constitution. The United States of America is a republic under a constitutional government.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |