The Theory of State (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1892. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIV. VII. Constitutional Monarchy. A. Its Origin and Progress. Constitutional monarchy is the fruit of modern times Rise of Conbut its germ is to be found, as was pointed out by Montes- Monarchy, quieu, in 'the forests of ancient Germany.' The first great but immature step towards the creation of that form of state which we now call constitutional, was taken when German princes established themselves upon Roman soil, when Roman political ideas were brought into contact with German rights. Then followed the period of feudal monarchy and of the limitation of the royal power by a strong aristocracy. The unity of the State was lost, the welfare of the people was neglected, and the king had no power proportionate to his dignity. Then the national tendency to unity revived, and the German feudal State was again illuminated and fertilised by the political principles of Rome. The people began to move at the same time, but the princes anticipated them, and seized the iron sceptre of absolute power. Classes began to struggle with each other and with the princes. As the middle ages came to an end the modern constitution of the State was close at hand. It is the end of a history of more than a thousand years, the completion of the RomanoGermanic political life, the true political civilisation . of Europe. This form of State was first developed in England, where i. in Eiis land. it had long been slowly but surely ripening. In no European country did the monarchy retain so much power in the middle ages as in England, but nowhere were the rights and liberties of the nobles and the people so courageously defended and so securely founded. English But the English were not spared the fevers of political Revolut1ons., . . strife. Two great revolutions threatened the whole ...