Book 3, Part 4 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 12, "How the Sovereign Authority is Maintained"

The author begins his examination of this question by suggesting that the best and clearest way for the Sovereign Will to be voiced and understood is through an assembly of all the citizens in the state. He initially suggests that gathering so many people seems to be impossible, but adds that if there is enough will anything is possible (see "Quotes," p. 80). He cites the early government of Ancient Rome as an example, said government involving meetings of the entire populace every few weeks, supporting this citation by stating that "to infer what is possible from what has happened seems ... to be good reasoning."

Chapter 13, "How the Sovereign Authority is Maintained," cont'd.

Further to the point of government by assembly, the author suggests that there be two kinds of assembly: that regularly...