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Single Idea 19835

[from 'The Social Contract (tr Cress)' by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, in 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 5. Democracy / f. Against democracy ]

Full Idea

Each revolution in the ministry produces a revolution in the state, since the maxim common to all ministers and nearly all kings is to do the reverse of their predecessor in everything.

Gist of Idea

When ministers change the state changes, because they always reverse policies

Source

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract (tr Cress) [1762], III.06)

Book Reference

Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Basic Political Writings', ed/tr. Cress,Donald A. [Hackett 1987], p.185


A Reaction

Most parents bring up their children by trying to correct mistakes their own parents made. British democracy is rife with this desperate need for a new government to make its mark, because they want to win the next election.