more on this theme | more from this text
Full Idea
The question has to be asked: do parliaments, even in fact constitute a part of the State structure? In other words, what is the real function?
Gist of Idea
What is the function of a parliament? Does it even constitute a part of the State structure?
Source
Antonio Gramsci (Selections from Prison Notebooks [1971], 2 'Parliament')
Book Ref
Gramsci,Antonio: 'Selections from Prison Notebooks', ed/tr. Hoare,Q./Nowell Smith,G [Lawrence and Wishart 1978], p.253
A Reaction
Nice question. In the UK it is only the cabinet which has active power. Backbench MPs are usually very frustrated, especially if their party has a comfortable majority, and their vote is not precious. They are privileged lobbyists.
| 20936 | Caesarism emerges when two forces in society are paralysed in conflict [Gramsci] |
| 20937 | The state should produce higher civilisations for all, in tune with the economic apparatus [Gramsci] |
| 20938 | Liberalism's weakness is its powerful rigid bureaucracy [Gramsci] |
| 20941 | Totalitarian parties cut their members off from other cultural organisations [Gramsci] |
| 20939 | What is the function of a parliament? Does it even constitute a part of the State structure? [Gramsci] |
| 20935 | Eventually political parties lose touch with the class they represent, which is dangerous [Gramsci] |
| 20940 | Perfect political equality requires economic equality [Gramsci] |