Single Idea 19968

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 5. Democracy / b. Consultation]

Full Idea

A democratic people may be said to have ministers only when these have been named by the people itself. Thus it is a maxim fundamental to this type of government that the people must name its ministers.

Gist of Idea

It is basic to a democracy that the people themselves must name their ministers

Source

Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], 02.02)

Book Reference

Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.116


A Reaction

In the UK we don't do this. We elect local representatives, usually of a preferred party, and then they chose the ministers, and even the leader. The people who run our country are a long way from direct democracy.