Let us consider what is the exact use of the Queen at each of these stages, and how our present form of government differs in each, whether for good or for evil from that simpler form of Cabinet government which might exist without her.
Bagehot examines the role of the Queen in the different stages of government and its implications.
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The whole history of civilisation, is strewn with creeds and institutions which were invaluable at first, and deadly afterwards.
The nation then selected the English policy, but the Crown chose the English Ministers.
That a House of Commons may work well it must perform, as we saw, five functions well: it must elect a Ministry well, legislate well, teach the nation well, express the nation's will well, bring matters to the nation's attention well.
They are above corruption because they are the corruptors.
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