ABSTRACT
One of the features common to the traditional theories of representation discussed in Part II of this book is that no account is taken of the possible role of organized parties. It is something of a paradox that disciplined parties developed at the same time that the Liberal view of the constitution, with its assumption that M.P.’s would act independently, was gaining general acceptance. By and large, Liberal writers have either ignored or regretted the growth of mass party organizations and their influence in the representative system. J. S. Mill, for instance, simply ignored the existence of political parties. Acton, also writing in the 1860’s, thought their activities were disgraceful. 1 Later Liberal writers, some of whom have been mentioned in Chapter 5, have generally regretted the growth of party discipline and have suggested that this is one reason for the decline which they profess to see in the quality of Parliamentary democracy.
