It always perhaps happens in a great nation, that certain bodies of sensible men posted prominently in its Constitution, acquire functions, and usefully exercise functions, which at the outset, no one expected from them, and which do not identify themselves with their original design.
Bagehot discusses how institutions can evolve beyond their original functions in a large nation.
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Perhaps such powers as these are what a wise man would most seek to exercise and least fear to possess.
If the above reasoning be sound, compulsory constituencies are necessary, voluntary constituencies destructive; the optional transferability of votes is not a salutary aid, but a ruinous innovation.
One of the greatest pains to human nature is the pain of a new idea.
The whole history of civilisation, is strewn with creeds and institutions which were invaluable at first, and deadly afterwards.
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