CHAPTER XIV

GOVERNMENT BY THE PEOPLE

Democracy

Effects of Democracy

Growth of Fascism

Policy of Fascism

Communism

Fascism and Communism Contrasted

Conclusion

Now that the survey of Legislature and Central Executive is
complete, the essential nature of British Government appears*
The source of the power wielded by the King and his Ministers
has been traced to Parliament and thence to the people Britain
is therefore classed among the democracies of the world, and
so distinguished from the Communist U.S.S.R., the great
Fascist States, Germany and Italy, and a number of smaller
States where various forms- of Government prevail which the
people cannot criticise or change at will. For the proper under-
standing of British democracy, a digression of some length will
be necessary, comparing the democratic, Fascist and Communist
philosophies. What is the exact nature of democracy? Is it fully
realised in Britain? What explains the recent rise of anti-
democratic Governments and ideas?

DEMOCRACY.

There are five signs by which a democracy can be recognised.
Pirst9 that ill adults should have an equal share in choosing the'
people who are to carry on the Government. The power of
the House of Lords and the unequal size of Parliamentary