Is mixed government better than absolute monarchy?

OCR: 11 cited passage(s) are machine-read (OCR) text of old printings; quotations reproduce the stored OCR text, misreadings included.

1. WHAT HE SAID (the record)

Record ledger

• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing): Algernon Sidney believed that changes in the outward form of government can be beneficial if they promote the public good, as demonstrated by the Roman Republic's changes that allowed plebeians to participate in honors. He contrasted this with changes under absolute power, which he argued proceeded from ambition and tended to public ruin. [1]
• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing): Algernon Sidney believes that absolute monarchy is more mutable and unstable than mixed government, which he contrasts as regulated by law and directed to the public good. He argues that stability is only worthy of praise when it is in things that are good, and that absolute monarchy lacks the qualities necessary for true stability. "I hope to prove, that of all things under the Sun, there is none more mutable or unliable than abfolute Monarchy ; which is all that I difpute againft, profefTing much veneration for that which is mix'd, regulated by Law, and directed to the Publick Good." [2]
• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing): Algernon Sidney believed that aristocracy was best, and that it was the form of the Jewish government. He also praised the Lacedaemonians for it, and considered whether it seemed established by nature. [3]
• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing): Algernon Sidney believes that absolute monarchy is not the natural government and that people naturally desire liberty, but this liberty must be tempered by reason and some form of restraint through society or government. He argues that all people must enter into some kind of society or government to restrain their liberty, which implies a preference for a form of government that involves general consent and rational restraint over absolute monarchy. [4]
• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing): Algernon Sidney believes that mixed and popular governments manage wars better than absolute monarchies. He argues that absolute monarchy is an evil and that democracy or mixed governments are preferable. [5]
• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing): Algernon Sidney believed that mixed government is better than absolute monarchy, as he argues that governments composed of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy are preferable to those where power is concentrated in one individual, especially when that power is obtained through violence and corruption. "If our Author will not allow the cafes to be altogether equal, I think he will find no other difference, than that the Confuls and Archons were regularly made by the Votes of the confenting People, and orderly refign'd their Power, when the time was expir'd for which it was given ; whereas Tarquin, Dionyfius, Agathocles, Nabis, Phalaris, Cefar, and almoft all his SuccefTors, whom he takes for compleat Monarchs, came in by violence, fraud, and corruption..." [6]
• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing): Algernon Sidney believes that inequality of power is unjust unless there is inequality of merit, and that equality of power is also unjust when there is inequality of virtue. He argues that virtue is the only rule by which every man's part ought to be regulated in government. "equality of Power to be fo alfo, when there is inequality of Vertue, that being the only rule by which every man's part ought to be regulated." [7]
• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing): Algernon Sidney believed that mixed and popular governments prefer peace and manage wars better than absolute monarchies. This is based on his stated belief in the superiority of mixed governments in handling war and peace. [8]
• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing): Algernon Sidney believes that popular governments are less subject to venality and corruption than absolute monarchies. He argues that corruption is rooted in the principle of absolute monarchy and cannot subsist without it, while regular and popular governments must defend themselves against corruption to avoid perishing. (key quote above) [9]
• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing): Algernon Sidney believed that mixed or popular governments are better than absolute monarchies because they manage wars better, promote justice in peace, and allow people to have a stake in the public good, which absolute monarchy does not allow. [10]

What cuts against it

• The contrary-evidence entries are already in the record ledger above: [1], [2], [3], [4].

2. HOW IT APPLIES (reasoning; inference is marked)

1. Algernon Sidney argued that mixed and popular governments are superior to absolute monarchy in managing wars and promoting peace. "Mix'd and Popular Governments prefer Ve Peace, and manage Wars, better than Abjolute Monarchys," [5].

2. He believed that absolute monarchy is rooted in corruption and venality, which cannot subsist without them, while mixed governments must defend themselves against corruption to avoid perishing. "nothing can better manifeft how far Abfolute Monarchy's are more fubjeft to this venality and corruption than the regular and popular Governments," [9].

3. Sidney argued that mixed governments are better at providing for the increase of courage, number, and strength in the people, and in preparing them to perform their duty bravely. "We have already found that in Hereditary Monarchys no care at all is taken of the Commander," [11].

4. He believed that inequality of power is unjust unless there is inequality of merit, and that equality of power is also unjust when there is inequality of virtue. "equality of Power to be fo alfo, when there is inequality of Vertue," [7].

5. It is an inference that Sidney's preference for mixed government over absolute monarchy is grounded in his belief that mixed governments are more stable and less prone to corruption, as he argued that absolute monarchy is more mutable and unstable than mixed government. [2]

3. HIS TAKE

Record coverage: PARTIAL

The record is silent on the specific modern application of mixed government versus absolute monarchy in contemporary political systems. However, Sidney's principles suggest a preference for mixed government over absolute monarchy due to its stability, resistance to corruption, and better management of wars and peace.

Extrapolation: Algernon Sidney would likely argue that mixed government is better than absolute monarchy because it is more stable, less prone to corruption, and better at managing wars and promoting peace.

Competing readings: One reading is that Sidney's preference for mixed government is grounded in his belief that it is more stable and less prone to corruption. Another reading is that his preference is based on his belief in the natural desire for liberty tempered by reason. The record itself supports both readings.

Confidence: Moderate, as the record provides partial coverage and supports multiple readings.