ABSTRACT
Steuart's description of an entrepreneurial class throwing off the shackles of state absolutism is a classic statement of the rise of capitalist classes in the early industrializing nations: traditional landed authority, in its greed, became dependent on the golden goose of industry and was compelled to refrain from suffocating it. In time, the rising forces associated with the new urban economies were able to shake off monarchical authority and establish their own rule.2 Inherent in this interpretation of political changes accompanying the rise of capitalism is a conflict of interest between the state and at least some
sectors of society over the extent and nature of state intervention in the economy as well as over the right to rule.3
