But if in these ways, and subject to these exceptions, Parliament by its policy and its speech well embodies and expresses public opinion, I own I think it must be conceded that it is not equally successful in elevating public opinion.
He critiques Parliament's effectiveness in not just reflecting but also uplifting public opinion.
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More from Walter Bagehot
The Parliament, the laws, the press were human institutions; but the Monarchy was a Divine institution.
Those who doubt should go out into their kitchens.
And again, in political matters, how quickly a leading statesman can change the tone of the community!
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.
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