CHAPTER XIII 



THE ALTRUISTIC TYPE OF GOVERNMENT 



In all the variety and confusion of ideas in regard to the 

 standards of conduct, and means for their promulgation and 

 enforcement, there is to be recognized one factor, or element 

 of authority which dominates the modern social evolution of 

 mankind, and which is generally conceded and asserted when 

 other authority is challenged, especially as to the problems 

 of civil government. This factor is the right of a people to 

 be governed as desired by its greater numbers, that is to say, 

 by a majority of its qualified membership. The advocates 

 of this principle sometimes limit its present expression to a 

 demand for protection of the individual from misgovern- 

 ment by a too aggressive power. This protection is secured 

 by a constitutional restriction of the functions of govern- 

 ment, so as to preserve to the individual certain stipulated 

 liberties. But the fully evolved idea usually formulates a 

 supreme authority inherent in the people as an organized 

 aggregate, to be expressed by the majority, and vested in 

 their chosen representatives. 



There is no newness in this idea, it is in fact the direct 

 product of the primary need, that any individual shall have 

 regard for the effective opinion of his neighbors. Humanity 

 in association evolves this idea anew, out of its instinctive 

 action, whenever necessary, and perfects it into practical 



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