Political Quotes

Walter Bagehot: The existence of this secret power is, according to abstract theory, a defect in our constitutional polity, but it is a…

On the record
The existence of this secret power is, according to abstract theory, a defect in our constitutional polity, but it is a defect incident to a civilisation such as ours, where august and therefore unknown powers are needed, as well as known and serviceable powers.
Said by
Walter Bagehot

Editor's note · Context

Bagehot acknowledges the existence of secret powers in the constitutional system as a necessary defect.

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