Speaking for the people: a conservative narrative of democracy
A Conservative accepts that democracy entails government by and (especially) for the people, but what constitutes the people is seen not in narrow but in expansive terms: the people are not confined to those who constitute a present transient majority but encompass rather past and future
generations. Democracy is tempered by the need to avoid dictatorship of the masses, entrusting the task of governing to those chosen by the people and able to lead in interests of the people. Government entails a balance between accountability and autonomy, a balance delivered by the Westminster
system of government, a system challenged by attempts at fundamental constitutional change.
Keywords: Conservative Party; Westminster model; conservatism; constitutional change; democracy; government
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 01 March 2012
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