Lecture Vi.--Page 55

The true principle of representative government.

Error of classifying governments according to their external forms.

Montesquieu's error with respect to the origin of the representative system.

Necessary correlation and simultaneous formation of society and government.

Rousseau's mistaken hypothesis of the social contract.

The nature of rightful sovereignty.

Confused and contradictory ideas entertained on this subject.

Societies, as individuals, possess the right of being placed under laws of justice and reason.

Governments ought to be continually reminded of their obligation to inquire into and conform to these laws.

Classification of governments on this principle.