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Single Idea 23167
[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 4. Changing the State / b. Devolution
]
Full Idea
The general principle of delimiting powers should be to leave to smaller bodies all functions which do not prevent larger bodies from fulfilling their purpose.
Gist of Idea
Power should be with smaller bodies, as long as it doesn't restrict central powers
Source
Bertrand Russell (Authority and the Individual [1949], 5)
Book Ref
Russell,Bertrand: 'Authority and the Individual' [Unwin 1977], p.76
A Reaction
In recent years in the UK smaller local bodies have been severely reduced in power by central government. This is nominally in favour of individuals, but in practice seems to have strengthened the centre. Russell was keen on devolving powers.
The
18 ideas
from 'Authority and the Individual'
23154
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We divide mankind into friend and foe, and cooperate with one and compete with the other
[Russell]
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23153
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Gradually loyalty to a creed increased, which could even outweigh nationality
[Russell]
|
23152
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Increasingly war expands communities, and unifies them through fear
[Russell]
|
23151
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A monarch is known to everyone in the group, and can thus unite large groups
[Russell]
|
23155
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In early societies the leaders needed cohesion, but the rest just had to obey
[Russell]
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23156
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The economic and political advantages of great size seem to have no upper limit
[Russell]
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23157
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Government has a negative purpose, to prevent trouble, and a positive aim of realising our desires
[Russell]
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23160
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Being a slave of society is hardly better than being a slave of a despot
[Russell]
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23162
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Managers are just as remote from workers under nationalisation as under capitalism
[Russell]
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23158
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Slavery began the divorce between the work and the purposes of the worker
[Russell]
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23161
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Slaves can be just as equal as free people
[Russell]
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23159
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Scarce goods may be denied entirely, to avoid their unequal distribution
[Russell]
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23164
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Modern justice is seen as equality, apart from modest extra rewards for exceptional desert
[Russell]
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23165
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Socialists say economic justice needs some state control of industries, and of foreign trade
[Russell]
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23168
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A state is essential, to control greedy or predatory impulses
[Russell]
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23167
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Power should be with smaller bodies, as long as it doesn't restrict central powers
[Russell]
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23163
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In an anarchy universities, research, books, and even seaside holidays, would be impossible
[Russell]
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23166
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In democracy we are more aware of being governed than of our tiny share in government
[Russell]
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