thing that is not naturally impossible ; and, there- fore, some have not scrupled to call its power, by a figure rather too bold, the omnipotence of parlia- ment."[1] The phrase "omnipotence of parliament" (as Mr. Christian has remarked on the passage in Blackstone) "signifies nothing more than the su- preme power of the sovereign state, or a power of action uncontrolled by any superior." The remarks which we have made above, likewise, indicate the limitations with which the statement must be taken, that parliament can do every thing which is not naturally impossible.
Modes in which the powers of a sovereign government may be exercised.
The next question to be considered is, how may the powers possessed by a sovereign government be exercised.
Ihe modes by which a sovereign government
may exercise its powers can be conveniently re-
duced to the four following heads : — First; it may
exercise its powers in the way of legislation. Se-
condly ; it may exercise its powers by special com-
mands or acts intended to carry into effect a pre-
existing law. Thirdly; it may exercise its powers
by special commands or acts not intended to carry
into effect a pre-existing law. Fourthly; it may
exercise its powers by inquiring into some fact or
facts, for the purpose of guiding its conduct in some
measure or proceeding falling under one of the three
heads just enumerated. These four powers may be re-
- ↑ Commentaries, vol. i. p. 161.
