PASTY GOVERNMENT 213

return to them for instructions on every issue; while they have
the right to state what general principles they approve, it is his
business to apply the principles to the day-to-day problems
arising in the House. The party programmes provide the general
statements of principle between which electors can choose. The
elector may complain that he does not fully agree with any party
programme. But no one can expect to have all his own way; it is
open to everyone to join the party in which he finds most to
approve, and to take his share, with other party members, in the
framing of policy.

In summary, die party system has.the overwhelming merit of
permitting both the Government to be strong and criticism of it
to be vigorous; of allowing the majority to prevail and all sections
to be heard; of providing a peaceable method for change of
Government. While the defects ot the system are undeniable,
they can be lessened if the rank and file of part}' members become
students' of policy and not mere partisans, and if the elector
equips himself with knowledge.

BOOKS:

*BALDWTN. Addresses on England.
, CECIL. Conservatism,
ATUBE. The Labour Party in Perspective.
Mum. The Liberal Way,
PIGOU. Capitalism v. Socialism.
STRACHEY. Theory and Practice of Socialism.