ABSTRACT
What is to my mind most disturbing is the world-wide decline in authority and in respect for democratic institutions. A century ago it was generally agreed in the advanced countries of the world that parliamentary government was the best form of government. But today dissatisfaction with parliamentary government is widespread. Nobody can seriously argue that in Europe or America parliaments are adding to their prestige.... So low has the reputation of parliamentary government sunk that it is now defended on the grounds that bad as it is, other forms of government are worse.
