Walter Bagehot: “The best sovereign could then achieve no good, and the worst effect no…”

On the record

The best sovereign could then achieve no good, and the worst effect no harm.

Said by

Walter Bagehot

Source

Bagehot argues that the effectiveness of a sovereign is diminished in a political system where their influence is limited.

More from Walter Bagehot

The nation then selected the English policy, but the Crown chose the English Ministers.

Thirdly, we see why so few nations have made rapid advance, and how many have become stationary.

The power of free interchange of ideas being wanting, the ideas themselves were barren.

But as soon as the House met, Lord Thurlow became the greatest.

Other voices in this conversation

Walter Bagehot: “The best sovereign could then achieve no good, and the worst effect no harm.”