Walter Bagehot: “The quarrel in most countries would have gone beyond the law, and come to blows; even in America, the most law-loving of…”

But it is natural also that persons used to analyse political institutions should look at these anomalies with a little tenderness and a little interest.

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.

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.