[clx. 237]

1822 July 22

Constitut. Code Rationale

Introduction to the Rationale

Thw whole of this work all comprehensive as it is, consists in an application made of two all-comprehensive principles: 1. a principle assertive /respective/ of propriety; a principle assertive of a /respecting an all comprehensive/ matter of fact

The principle assertive of propriety is the greatest happiness /felicity/ principle. The greatest happiness of the greatest number as the only right and proper end of government: all /every/ other ends to which it is possible for the means of government to be directed are /is/ sinister ones

The principle having respect to matter of fact is the self-preference principle. To prefer /Preference given to/ his own interest to all others is a universal propensity in man's nature in whatsoever situation placed.

From these two springs /theoretical principles/ one practical one Would you establish a Constitution /constitute a government/ so order the powers belonging to it make such distribution /disposal/ of the powers /mass of power/ of which government that each member of it each functionary may see that his own particular interest will throughout coincide with the interest of the greatest number /the universal interest/ and this in such sort that he can not make sacrifice of /do evil to/ the universal interest without doing /thereby doing net/ evil to his own particular interest.

Applied to the Constitutional branch of Law /the Pannomion/ of the field of legislation, the greatest happiness principle /the all comprehensive end/ resolves itself into two specific ones - namely 1. Aptitude maximized; 2. Expence, minimized.