Introduction explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Evolutionary Constitutional Change

  Bagehot emphasizes the constant change in a living constitution and the difficulty of capturing it at a single point in time.

• Social Class and Deference

  The chapter discusses the relationship between aristocracy and plutocracy, the worship of rank, and the danger of class conflict in the face of democratic expansion.

• Functions of Parliament

  Bagehot analyzes the role of the House of Lords as a resisting power and the dynamics between Lords and Commons in representing different classes.

• Prerequisites for Elective Government

  The chapter touches on the capacity of a nation for parliamentary institutions and the behavior of political parties in relation to national interest.

Characters to notice

• Lord Palmerston

  The Constitution is described as it stood during Palmerston's time (1865-1866), and the change since then is noted as a change in pervading spirit.

• Sir George Grey

  Quoted as saying disestablishment of the Irish Church would be an 'act of Revolution'; later assented to its disestablishment.

• Mr. Gladstone

  Referenced for the phrase 'sneaking kindness for a lord' in the context of English attitudes toward rank.

• Queen Victoria

  Mentioned indirectly through the context of the Palmerston era and the changes in the Constitution.

• Benjamin Franklin

  Quoted on peacemakers being cursed in this world, used to illustrate criticism of treaties.

Key passages

• “There is a great difficulty in the way of a writer who attempts to sketch a living Constitution⁠—a Constitution that is in actual work and power. The difficulty is that the object is in constant change.”

  Describing a working constitution is hard because it is always evolving.

  Bagehot introduces the central challenge of his work.

• “It describes the English Constitution as it stood in the years 1865 and 1866. Roughly speaking, it describes its working as it was in the time of Lord Palmerston; and since that time there have been many changes, some of spirit and some of detail.”

  The book originally depicted the Constitution under Palmerston, but much has changed since then.

  Bagehot clarifies the temporal scope of his analysis.

• “A new Constitution does not produce its full effect as long as all its subjects were reared under an old Constitution, as long as its statesmen were trained by that old Constitution.”

  A new constitution's true impact is delayed because people and politicians were shaped by the old one.

  Bagehot explains why the Reform Act's effects are not yet fully visible.

• “The main interest of both these classes is now identical, which is to prevent or to mitigate the rule of uneducated numbers. But to prevent it effectually, they must not quarrel among themselves; they must not bid one against the other for the aid of their common opponent.”

  The aristocracy and plutocracy share an interest in resisting mass democracy, so they should avoid internal conflict.

  Bagehot warns against division between Lords and Commons.

• “The democratic passions gain by fomenting a diffused excitement, and by massing men in concourses; the aristocratic sentiments gain by calm and quiet, and act most on men by themselves, in their families, and when female influence is not absent.”

  Democracy thrives on public excitement, while aristocracy works best in private, domestic settings.

  Bagehot contrasts the social dynamics of democratic and aristocratic influence.