One of Hume´s famous essays, “The idea of a perfect commonwealth”, is based on the consideration to create a new form of government, “the most perfect of all” [page 513; line 13]. Hume thinks it is one of the most important thoughts man´s wit can consider. The present “governments seem to serve the purpose of society” [513; 14- 15], but they are not perfect and do not work accurately. It is advantageous to know what is the most perfect commonwealth, because it is the best way to improve existing governmental systems and constitutions as far as possible towards perfection without giving “too great disturbance to society” [514; 2]. An established government, recommended by antiquity, has great advantage and is for that reason accepted by mankind. Philosophers, like him, have to respect this fact, but with their ideas they “may attempt some improvements for the public good” [512, 13- 513, 1] without shaking a constitution or government to the very foundations.
Another chance of his theory for the future, may be to establish a perfect commonwealth, where an old one vanishes or where men combine to form a new one, as he proposes, “in some distant part of the world” [513; 23- 24].
David Humes´ plan of the perfect government resembles the model of James Harrington´s Commonwealth of Oceana, as he claims the only valuable model. Before presenting his own theory, he describes the main inconveniences of the Oceana. The rotation of public employment by intervals and the Agrarian, because of the risk of abuse, are “impracticable” [514; 4]. The third criticism is the negative, the senate has upon the people. It does not provide enough security for liberty, because the negative of the senate goes before the vote of the people. That is unacceptable for Hume. Liberty gets out of balance, if the legislative has got the power to decide, which propositions they let the people vote upon. Hume reminds of the King´s negative in the English constitution and describes the consequences, if the negative of the King came, before a popular bill reaches the parliament to be debated. If this was the case, the King of Britain “would be an absolute monarch” [515; 15- 16]. According to Hume, the main defect of the Oceana is, that “the whole legislature (...) rest(s) in the senate” [516; 5].
Table of Contents
(1) The importance to create a perfect commonwealth
(2) The idea of a perfect commonwealth
(3) Alterations on the British government
(4) Hume´s conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper explores David Hume's theoretical framework for a "perfect commonwealth" as detailed in his influential essay, examining the structural requirements for a balanced and stable government. The analysis focuses on Hume’s specific institutional proposals, his critique of existing models like the Commonwealth of Oceana, and his suggestions for practical reforms within the British political system.
- The theoretical necessity and potential for establishing an ideal governmental form.
- Detailed administrative and legislative structures proposed by Hume.
- Mechanisms to prevent political corruption, such as annual elections and the separation of powers.
- Proposals for the reform of the British government toward a "limited monarchy."
- The long-term feasibility and stability of Hume's proposed commonwealth.
Excerpt from the Book
2) The idea of a perfect commonwealth
In his theory, Hume divides a territory of the extent of Great Britain and Ireland into 100 counties and each county into 100 parishes, “making in all 10.000” [516, 11- 12]. Every county has nearly the status of a republic within itself. The “free- holders of twenty pounds a year” [516, 18] and the “householders worth 500 pounds” [516, 19] gather every year, so the parishes can choose their county representatives. Then the 100 representatives of a county choose the ten magistrates and one senator by ballot. The capital may be divided into for counties and therefore provides four members in the senate. In addition the whole commonwealth is represented by 10.000 county representatives, 1.100 county magistrates and 100 senators.
The whole executive power- including the power of war and peace, giving orders to generals, admirals and ambassadors- of the established commonwealth, comparable to the British house of Lords, is in the hand of the senate, whereas the county representatives have got the whole legislative power. In the counties, majority decisions are made. The senate must have the casting vote, if a question remains undecided. Laws have to be debated in the senate, but “if ten senators insist and protest” [517, 9], it has to be given to the counties. The county representatives and magistrates are allowed to give the senators of their county the copy of a law to be proposed to the senate.
Summary of Chapters
(1) The importance to create a perfect commonwealth: This chapter introduces Hume’s motivation for seeking a perfect government and highlights his critical assessment of existing systems like the Commonwealth of Oceana.
(2) The idea of a perfect commonwealth: This section outlines the structural design of Hume’s proposed state, detailing the division of territory, the hierarchy of representatives, magistrates, and senators, and the distribution of executive and legislative powers.
(3) Alterations on the British government: The author discusses Hume's specific recommendations for reforming the British political system, focusing on electoral representation and the restructuring of the House of Lords.
(4) Hume´s conclusion: This final chapter reflects on the long-term viability of the proposed commonwealth and addresses the philosophical limitations regarding the concept of political immortality.
Keywords
David Hume, perfect commonwealth, political theory, legislative power, senate, county representatives, British government, limited monarchy, constitutional reform, executive power, public administration, political stability, separation of powers, Oceana, electoral representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this work?
The work examines David Hume’s political essay "The idea of a perfect commonwealth," focusing on his theoretical design for an ideal state structure.
What are the core themes discussed?
The paper covers the institutional design of a government, the balance of power between the senate and the people, and practical reforms for the British constitution.
What is the main goal of the paper?
The goal is to analyze and interpret Hume's systematic approach to creating a stable and balanced form of government that avoids the flaws of historical models.
Which scientific method is utilized?
The paper employs a qualitative text analysis and theoretical reflection on Hume’s philosophical essay, interpreting his arguments through the provided quotes and structural details.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section details the administrative division of the state, the functions of various councils, the role of the senate, and mechanisms for preventing corruption.
Which keywords best characterize this study?
Key terms include David Hume, perfect commonwealth, senate, legislative power, and limited monarchy.
How does Hume evaluate the "Oceana" model?
Hume criticizes the "Oceana" for being impractical due to the rotation of public employment and argues that the senate holds excessive power, which compromises liberty.
Why does Hume suggest reforms for the British House of Lords?
Hume suggests these reforms because he views the current House of Lords as "frail" and believes that only "men of chief credit" should serve to maintain a barrier against absolute monarchy.
How does Hume propose to maintain stability in the commonwealth?
Stability is maintained through annual elections, the dependence of senators on the public, and the separation of power between different governmental bodies and the militia.
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- Thorsten Klein (Autor:in), 2001, "The idea of a perfect commonwealth" by David Hume and its effects for the UK, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/62419
