The English Constitution · Chapter
VII: Its History, and the Effects of That History—Conclusion explained
This concluding chapter traces the historical evolution of the English Constitution from a primitive 'consultative and tentative absolutism' through the gradual development of republican organs within a monarchical framework.
What happens
This concluding chapter traces the historical evolution of the English Constitution from a primitive 'consultative and tentative absolutism' through the gradual development of republican organs within a monarchical framework. Bagehot argues that English history uniquely preserved the outward show of monarchy while secretly interpolating republican reality, a process that has left lasting effects on English political culture—including a deep-seated distrust of the executive, tolerance of local authorities, and numerous institutional anomalies. He contrasts this with American, French, and Swiss attitudes, and reflects on the value of studying political anomalies for philosophical insight.
Themes in this chapter
Evolutionary Constitutional Change
The chapter details how the English Constitution evolved from a primitive consultative absolutism into a modern mixed government, preserving the monarchy's outward form while developing republican substance.
Monarchy and Public Sentiment
Bagehot discusses how the historical reverence for the Crown persists, leading to a public distrust of the executive that is rhetorically expressed as jealousy of the Queen's prerogative.
Comparative Political Systems
The chapter contrasts English political culture with that of the United States, France, and Switzerland, particularly regarding attitudes toward executive power and local governance.
Social Class and Deference
Implicitly referenced through the discussion of the 'pagan part of human nature' and the obstinacy of freemen, as well as the role of local elites in early parliaments.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Grote
Cited for his detailed account of how the appendages of the original Greek kingdom gave rise to free states.
- Lord Grey
Mentioned as a rigid man who had no immoral sort of influence during the Regency crisis.
- George IV
Referenced as the Regent who was anxious to retain Mr. Perceval and eager to quarrel with the Whig Lords.
- Mr. Pitt
Mentioned in the context of the struggle over the change of ministry.
- Mr. Fox
Referenced in relation to the political struggles of the period.
- George III
Noted as a time when the City of London was a useful centre of popular judgment.
- Queen Victoria
Mentioned in the context of the public's reluctance to admit her as the people's appointee and agent.
Key passages
“The king came down to his assembled people in form to announce his will, but in reality, speaking in very modern words, to 'feel his way.'”
The early king appeared before his people to proclaim his decisions, but was actually testing public opinion to see what would be accepted.
Bagehot describes the tentative nature of early royal authority, where the king gauged popular sentiment before acting.
“We have, accordingly, inherited the traditions of conflict, and preserve them in the fullness of victory.”
Because our freedom was won through centuries of resistance to the Crown, we continue to view government with suspicion even after winning that struggle.
This explains the English people's ingrained distrust of executive authority.
“By the very nature of our government our executive cannot be liked and trusted as the Swiss or the American is liked and trusted.”
The structure of the English Constitution inherently prevents the executive from enjoying the same popular trust as in Switzerland or the United States.
Bagehot contrasts English attitudes with those of other modern democracies.
“Here, as elsewhere, we have built into our polity pieces of the scaffolding by which it was erected.”
Our political system still contains elements that were originally temporary supports used during its construction.
This refers to the persistence of local authorities and other historical institutions that once served as bulwarks against royal power.
