8 - Practice and Theory

Summary

Those engaged in practical politics did not spend much time debating favourite topics of political theorists, such as the best form of government. Writers of general treatises on republics tended to look to the ancient world for principles and examples, rather than to whatever personal experience of politics they had. Treatises setting out the principles of ideal republics generally had little to say about central concerns of republican governments, such as councils, appointments to office and government finance; if they discussed such mundane matters at all, it was more likely to be with reference to institutions of the ancient world. Writers dealing with particular republics were more likely to comment on councils and offices, sometimes reflecting contemporary debates. Many ideas that were articulated by those facing and debating practical political problems did not find their way into the texts which have entered the canon of political thought.