The Proper Sphere of Government

Summary

Letter I.

Things of the first importance – principles influencing all the transactions of a country – principles involving the weal or woe of nations, are very generally taken for granted by society. When a certain line of conduct, however questionable may be its policy – however momentous may be its good or evil results, has been followed by our ancestors, it usually happens that the great masses of mankind continue the same course of action, without ever putting to themselves the question – Is it right? Custom has the enviable power, of coming to conclusions upon most debatable points, without a moment's consideration – of propositions of a very doubtful character into axioms – and of setting aside almost self-evident truths as unworthy of consideration.

Of all subjects thus cavalierly treated, the fundamental principles of legislation, are perhaps the most important. Politicians – all members of the community who have the welfare of their fellow-men at heart, have their hopes, opinions, and wishes, centred in the actions of government. It therefore behoves them fully to understand the nature, the intention, the proper sphere of action of a government. Before forming opinions upon the best measures to be adopted by a legislative body, it is necessary that well defined views of the power of that body should be formed; that it be understood how far it can go consistently with its constitution; that it be decided what it may do and what it may not do.