Single Idea 19974

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / b. Monarchy]

Full Idea

In a monarchy, it is not enough to have intermediary ranks; there must also be a body that is a depositary of laws. They must announce the laws when they are made, and recall them to the public's attention when they are forgotten.

Gist of Idea

Monarchs must not just have links to the people; they need a body which maintains the laws

Source

Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], 02.04)

Book Reference

Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.123


A Reaction

This is the crucial difference between a monarch and a despot, because the monarch must be subservient to the law.