Principles and Heresies

Politics and Responsibility

Political men in a representative republic have always had to consider the opinions of their constituencies. And sometimes the sheer love of power has led them to an extreme pampering of the whims of those constituencies against the dictates of morality and their own better judgment. But, by and large, until recent times it was thought the duty of those elevated to positions of legislation and administration to act as a “creative minority,” to guide and educate the opinion upon which they were dependent. Thus, the appeal to the electorate was, on large issues at least, an appeal to choice on the level of principle.

FS

About the Author

Frank S. Meyer

Frank S. Meyer was a senior editor of National Review.

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Politics and Responsibility

Political men in a representative republic have always had to consider the opinions of their constituencies. And sometimes the sheer love of power has led them to an extreme pampering of the whims of those constituencies against the dictates of morality and their own better judgment. But, by and large, until recent times it was thought the duty of those elevated to positions of legislation and administration to act as a “creative minority,” to guide and educate the opinion upon which they were dependent. Thus, the appeal to the electorate was, on large issues at least, an appeal to choice on the level of principle.