# II explained — The English Constitution

> Chapter companion for The English Constitution by Walter Bagehot.

## What happens

Bagehot reflects on recent domestic and foreign events that illustrate or challenge the principles of the English Constitution. He discusses the American presidential system's flaws, highlighted by the conflict between President Johnson and Congress, and analyzes the French experiment with a Parliamentary Republic under M. Thiers, noting its peculiar circumstances and limitations.

## Themes in this chapter

### Comparative Political Systems

Bagehot compares the American presidential system with the English parliamentary system, highlighting the dangers of a divided executive and legislature.

### Cabinet Government and Parliamentary Sovereignty

The French experiment under M. Thiers is analyzed as a test of a Parliamentary Republic where the executive is appointed by and responsible to the legislature.

## Character check-ins

### M. Thiers

Described as the exception of a moment in France, appointed by and removable by the Assembly, but not governing as a typical Parliamentary Premier.

### Mr. Lincoln

Mentioned as the President during the time of unity between Congress and the executive in the American Civil War.

### Mr. Johnson

Succeeded Lincoln and had a hostile relationship with Congress, leading to impeachment proceedings.

## Key lines

> The English Premier being appointed by the selection, and being removable at the pleasure, of the preponderant Legislative Assembly, is sure to be able to rely on that Assembly.

The British Prime Minister, chosen and removable by the majority in Parliament, can count on legislative support.

_Bagehot contrasts this with the American President's lack of such security._

> A hostile legislature and a hostile executive were so tied together, that the legislature tried, and tried in vain, to rid itself of the executive by accusing it of illegal practices.

The conflict between Congress and President Johnson was so severe that Congress attempted to remove him through impeachment.

_This incident is used to criticize the American Constitution's separation of powers._

> He is the exception of a moment; he is not the example of a lasting condition.

M. Thiers' position is unique and temporary, not a model for a stable system.

_Bagehot cautions against drawing general lessons from the French experiment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_english_constitution_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_english_constitution_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_english_constitution_se/chapters