But the power of repeal is not an equivalent. It might be indeed if every form of government were so perfectly contrived that the will of the majority could always be obtained fairly and without impediment. But this is true of no form. The people cannot assemble themselves. Their representation is unequal and vicious.
Various checks are opposed to every legislative proposition.
Factions get possession of the public councils. Bribery corrupts them. This principle that the earth belongs to the living, and not to the dead, is of very extensive application and consequences, in every country, and most especially in France. We have already given in example one effectual check to the Dog of war by transferring the power of letting him loose from the Executive to the Legislative body, from those who are to spend to those who are to pay. I should be pleased to see this second obstacle held out by us also in the first instance.