'Considerations on Representative Government' Summary

Mill begins by outlining the different forms of government, including monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy. He argues that democracy is the most just and equitable form of government, as it is based on the principle of popular sovereignty. However, he also recognizes that democracy can be susceptible to tyranny of the majority, and he proposes a number of safeguards to prevent this, such as a constitutional government, a system of checks and balances, and a free and independent press. Mill then discusses the different functions of representative bodies, such as legislatures and parliaments. He argues that these bodies should be responsible for making laws, overseeing the executive branch, and representing the interests of the people. He also discusses the importance of a second chamber in parliament, such as the House of Lords in the United Kingdom, to provide a check on the power of the lower house. Finally, Mill discusses the role of the executive branch in a representative government. He argues that the executive branch should be responsible for carrying out the laws passed by the legislature and for representing the state in foreign affairs. He also discusses the importance of a strong and independent executive branch to prevent tyranny.