On the Foundation of Civil Government. 499 



thofe who thus aftually fignify their fentiments, 

 ought to be accounted the majority of the whole. 



XIX. But as it is impoffible even for the 

 majority of a fociety, to aft individually without 

 fuch confufion as would defeat the end of the 

 aflembly, unlefs in very fmall communities, a 

 few mull of neceffity be deputed to ad for the 

 many. 



The proportions refpefting majorities, will of 

 courfe hold true concerning thefe (comparative) 

 few. 



XX. The few, thus deputed to aft for the many, 

 of courfe alfo^ receive all their authority from 

 their conftituents, for there is no other fource, 

 confident with the maxim already exhibited. 



XXI. As this authority is conceded for fome 

 end or purpofe, it muft of courfe be limited in 

 extent and duration by the end or purpofe for 

 which it was created : hence the perfons deputing, 

 muft have a right remaining of extending or 

 limiting, continuing or annulling the delegated 

 authority, as the circumftajnces for which it was 

 granted may from time to time require. Alfo, 

 as the happinefs of the community and not 

 merely of the reprefentatives or perfons deputed, 

 conftitute the objeft of fociety, the majority of 

 the community, /. e. of the perfons deputing, 

 muft have the right of judging of thefe circum- 

 ftances. 



XXII. If therefore the perfons deputed extend 

 their authority in continuance or degree, either 



K k 2 beyond 



