Capturing the cumulative effect of the innovative modes of engagement outlined in previous chapters, this chapter examines a term for Scottish public opinion that had become current by the end of the seventeenth century: the sense of the nation. This phrase (and its variants, the sentiments or mind of the nation) suggested the thoughtful conclusions of a national political community. Attention was drawn to these extra-institutional opinions by changes arising from the 1688-90 Revolution, including greater freedom of debate in parliament, the confirmation of a right to petition the crown and weaker monarchical oversight of Scottish politics from London. As a series of scandals created discontent in Scotland, a ‘Country’ opposition re-energised adversarial petitioning alongside political pamphleteering. In 1706-7, opponents of proposals for an incorporating Anglo–Scottish union asserted collective objections in petitions, pamphlets, speeches and street protests, securing some treaty amendments alongside measures to safeguard parliament from violent resistance. Though the stature of extra-institutional opinion was still contested, these efforts to defuse its force indicate its contemporary profile in Scottish political culture.

This chapter draws attention to the making of claims about popular preferences to justify a change in church government in the Revolution of 1688-90. The analysis shows how ‘the inclinations of the generality of the people’ came to be included in Scotland’s 1689 Claim of Right to demand the reinstatement of presbyterian church government. This formulation drew on the language of grievance to present what was described as the laity’s instinctive and historical desire for a church without prelacy, while assertive crowds and volunteer forces demonstrated the potential for popular violence if these wishes were not acknowledged. The ensuing Revolution settlement gave constitutional authority to the preferences of the people in church government, stimulating an ongoing debate between presbyterians and episcopalians on the people’s true desires. Pamphleteers provided geographical and social assessments and proposals for direct polling while petitioners sought to demonstrate counter-opinions, reinforcing the prominence of opinion at large in Scottish politics.