Single Idea 23045

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 2. State Legitimacy / d. General will]

Full Idea

Where laws and institutions are apparently the work of deliberate volition, they are in reality the result of a compromise, which while by a kind of social contract it has the acquiescence of all, expresses the will of none.

Gist of Idea

Politics is compromises, which seem supported by a social contract, but express the will of no one

Source

T.H. Green (works [1875]), quoted by John H. Muirhead - The Service of the State III

Book Reference

Muirhead,John H.: 'The Service of the State: T.H. Green' [John Murray 2021], p.67


A Reaction

Politicians who claim to be enacting the 'will of the people' (e.g. when they won a referendum 52-48) are simply lying. Committees usually end up enacting one person's will, but often without realising what has happened.