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do not debate in a collective body but by representation, the exercise of this sovereignity consists in the choice of representatives. If then it can be proved, that the people at large "have proxies," or "debate by representation," or have "the choice of representatives," the question will decide in your favour who assert the British Constitution to be the second or mixed mode of Government. If these points cannot be proved, in favour of us who suspect it to be a Despotism. Now we are of opinion, not only that such points cannot be made evident, but that the contrary may be demonstrated. The people (you say) exercise a legislative power by proxies, that is, by the majority in the House of Commons. But in the House of Commons three hundred and six are nominated or caused to be returned by one hundred and sixty Peers and Commoners with the Treasury, and three hundred and six are more than a majority: the majority therefore of the House of Commons are the choice, and of course the proxies of the Treasury, and the one hundred and sixty two.[1] Of the rest (that is,
- ↑ Consult "the state of the representation of England and Wales, delivered to the Society, the friends of the people, associated for the purpose of obtaining a parliamentary reform." In this dispassionate report, the names of the one hundred and sixty two are given, and the boroughs specified; both these for which they nominate, and those which they influence, so as always to secure the return.
