THE GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS OF REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLIES
The word "legislature" can be confusing because it refers to groups that were created for representative government, not just for making laws. Modern legislatures are involved in more than just writing laws; they also help control and direct what the government does. People tried to limit legislatures to only creating laws, but this idea didn't work because it would take away their power to oversee the government. This view matches Montesquieu’s idea of separation of powers but goes against the idea of popular or democratic government, which wants these representatives to have broader powers.
Instead of having restrictions, legislatures can operate under general laws set by another democratic group to keep them in check. The term "government" includes two main jobs: enforcing laws and managing services for the people. However, many activities in society happen naturally without government control. Although government does provide important services, it has taken on more responsibilities than necessary, which shows how much its power has grown beyond just enforcing laws and keeping order.
The word "legislature" can be confusing because it refers to groups that were created for representative government, not just for making laws. Modern legislatures are involved in more than just writing laws; they also help control and direct what the government does. People tried to limit legislatures to only creating laws, but this idea didn't work because it would take away their power to oversee the government. This view matches Montesquieu’s idea of separation of powers but goes against the idea of popular or democratic government, which wants these representatives to have broader powers.
Instead of having restrictions, legislatures can operate under general laws set by another democratic group to keep them in check. The term "government" includes two main jobs: enforcing laws and managing services for the people. However, many activities in society happen naturally without government control. Although government does provide important services, it has taken on more responsibilities than necessary, which shows how much its power has grown beyond just enforcing laws and keeping order.