1819 Octr. 12 5 Nov

r

Not now

Parl. Reform Bill

Reasons

§.2 Electors Who

Preliminary observations

Subversion[?] none: Unprecedented[?] Securities[?] none.

§.2. Electors Who. Preliminary Observations

Of the here proposed Bill if adopted, the effect would be that which is proposed in a former work, to vest[?] establish not in one word Democracy, but in two words Democratic ascendancy. To have all forms and all situations with their respective powers and denominations in the same state as at present. To The legislative branch /authority/ the three branches, King Lords and Commons with the same functions at present. But with this difference, that whereas at present the tenor and effect of all laws is in effect determined by the will of the Monarch under the proposed change it would be determined by the will of the people at large, acting by the hands of their representatives in the House of Commons

On this occasion two grand questions call for answers

1. Why seek to establish Democratic ascendancy.

2. Why not seek to establish Representative Democracy.

To both these questions, answers will be furnished.

A preliminary question with some could naturally be why not content yourself with preserving the existing balance? the balance between each and every other of the three branches of the supreme government. King, Lords and Commons

In this question is involved an assumption: an assumption of the existence of such a balance.

Among the opinions on which the here proposed plan is grounded is this – namely that there exists not any such balance. This opinion has been already advanced in a former work. It will be maintained more in detail in an Appendix to this – See Appendix N o | | . Supposed Balance of the English Constitution: a state of things neither actual possible, nor beneficent.