On the record
It does not, like the Electoral College in the United States, separate when it has elected its ruler; it watches, legislates, seats and unseats ministries, from day to day.
Said by
Walter Bagehot
Source
gutenberg.orgWalter Bagehot: “It does not, like the Electoral College in the United States, separate when it has elected its ruler; it watches…”
Editor's note · Context
Bagehot contrasts the active role of the British House of Commons with the passive nature of the Electoral College in the U.S.
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More from Walter Bagehot
I own that I do not entirely sympathise with the horror of these anomalies which haunts some of our best critics.
Subject to this saving remark, however, I not only admit, but maintain, that our Constitution is full of curious oddities, which are impeding and mischievous, and ought to be struck out.
I cannot, therefore, join in the full cry against anomalies; in my judgment it may quickly overrun the scent, and so miss what we should be glad to find.
Just so the lines of our Constitution were framed in old eras of sparse population, few wants, and simple habits; and we adhere in seeming to their shape, though civilisation has come with its dangers, complications, and enjoyments.
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