Jonah Patel
The Commonwealth of Oceana, published in 1656, is a work of political philosophy by the English politician and essayist James Harrington. It is an exposition on an ideal constitution, designed to allow for the existence of a utopian republic. Harrington's work outlines the strategies for a theoretical argument, stating that the determining element of power in a state is property, particularly landed property. The work also discusses the role of executive power and recommends an agrarian law to limit land holdings, with specific modes of distributing property. The Commonwealth of Oceana has been interpreted as a metaphor for interregnum England and its influence on the constitution can be seen in its exploration of balanced government, the role of the nobility, and the power dynamics between the state and its governing parts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 1656 |
| Author | James Harrington |
| Genre | Political philosophy |
| Subject | An ideal constitution for a utopian republic |
| Key argument | The determining element of power in a state is property, particularly land ownership |
| Executive power | Should not be vested for a long time in the same individual or group |
| Land ownership | Recommended limit on holdings to amount yielding revenue of £2000 |
| Rotation of power | A third of the executive or senate to be voted out by ballot each year, unable to be re-elected for three years |
| Monarchy | Impossible without making the country "a certain prey to the first invader" |
| Balance of power | "Where there is equality of estates, there must be equality of power, and where there is equality of power, there can be no monarchy." |
| Role of nobility | "A competent nobility" is necessary for monarchy |
| Role of the senate | To debate and counsel, not command |
| Laws | Few laws leave much to arbitrary power; many laws can be litigious |
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What You'll Learn
The constitution of the late monarchy of Oceana
Harrington's constitution for Oceana promotes a balanced government, aiming to distribute power and prevent its concentration in any single individual or class. He suggests a rule of rotation by ballot, where a third of the executive or senate is voted out annually and ineligible for re-election for three years. This approach ensures a diverse and representative body, mitigating the risks associated with vested interests.
The late monarchy of Oceana's constitution also emphasises the role of the aristocracy as the wisdom of the commonwealth. However, Harrington differentiates between the wisdom of the aristocracy and the interest of the whole body of the people. He proposes that the aristocracy, represented by the senate, should act as counsellors rather than commanders. Their role is to debate and advise, with their decrees not carrying the force of law but rather being proposed to the people for resolution.
In Harrington's model, the assembly or council choosing represents the interest of the commonwealth. He acknowledges that in a large nation, assembling the entire body of the people may be impractical. Therefore, he suggests a representative body that reflects the interests of all the people and cannot contract any interests contrary to those of the whole. This representative body, through debate and resolution, enacts the will of the people.
Furthermore, Harrington's constitution addresses the role of the nobility, arguing that equality of estates leads to equality of power, which is incompatible with monarchy. He suggests that the balance of power has shifted to the people, and the commonwealth is already inherent in their nature. This shift in power dynamics challenges the traditional understanding of monarchy and lays the foundation for a new form of governance.
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The role of property in power dynamics
Published in 1656, The Commonwealth of Oceana is a work of political philosophy by the English politician and essayist James Harrington. The text is an exposition on an ideal constitution, designed to allow for the existence of a utopian republic. Harrington's work outlines the strategies for an ideal governing document, from the rights of the state to the salaries of low-level officials.
A central theme in Harrington's work is the role of property, particularly land ownership, in shaping power dynamics. He argues that the determining element of power in a state is property, specifically land ownership. This idea is reflected in his recommendation for an agrarian law, limiting landholdings to those yielding a revenue of £2000. This insistence on distributing landed property challenges the concentration of power and wealth.
Harrington's Oceana promotes a form of government where power is distributed and not concentrated in a single person or class. He suggests that executive power should not be vested for a considerable time in the same individual or group, advocating for a system of rotation by ballot. This approach aims to prevent the accumulation of power and influence by a select few, ensuring a more equitable distribution of authority.
Harrington's ideas on property and power dynamics also extend to his views on absolute monarchy. He argues that establishing an absolute monarchy in Oceana or any similarly sized country would render it vulnerable to foreign invaders. Harrington suggests that a monarchy based on inherited military colonies, as seen in Rome, leads to a perpetual dictatorship. Instead, he proposes a balance of power, where the nobility is kept in check, and the commonwealth nature of the government is preserved.
In conclusion, The Commonwealth of Oceana by James Harrington offers a unique perspective on the role of property in power dynamics. Harrington's work emphasizes the importance of land ownership, the distribution of wealth, and the prevention of power concentration. By advocating for a representative form of government and challenging absolute monarchy, Harrington's ideas influenced the development of constitutional thought and the understanding of the relationship between property ownership and political power.
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Executive power and its limitations
The Commonwealth of Oceana is a work of political philosophy by the English politician and essayist James Harrington, published in 1656. It is an exposition on an ideal constitution, designed to allow for the existence of a utopian republic.
Harrington's work includes several ideas about executive power and its limitations. Firstly, he argues that executive power should not be vested for a long time in the same person, group, or class. To prevent this concentration of power, he suggests implementing a rule of rotation by ballot, where a third of the executive or senate is voted out annually and is ineligible for re-election for three years. This promotes diversity and prevents any single individual or group from dominating the decision-making process.
Harrington also emphasizes the importance of distributing landed property and limiting landholdings. He proposes an agrarian law that restricts holdings of land to those yielding a revenue of £2000. This approach aims to prevent the accumulation of excessive power and influence in the hands of a few and promotes a more equitable distribution of resources.
In Oceana, Harrington presents a model of balanced government. He suggests that the assembly or council choosing should represent the interest of the commonwealth, which lies in the whole body of the people. This council, or senate, is intended to be a representative body that reflects the diversity of the people and ensures that the interests of the majority are considered in decision-making. The senate's role is to debate and counsel, with their decrees not being laws but rather proposals (Senatus Consulta) that are then presented to the people for their resolution.
Harrington also discusses the relationship between the executive power and the law. He asserts that the magistrate's hand, or the executive power, is the executor of the law, while the head of the magistrate is answerable to the people to ensure that the execution is according to the law. This highlights the importance of accountability and the rule of law in Harrington's ideal constitution.
Overall, the Commonwealth of Oceana influenced the constitution by presenting a vision of executive power that is limited, rotated, and accountable to the people. It promotes a balanced government where power is distributed, and the interests of the whole body of the people are considered.
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The importance of nobility in maintaining monarchy
The Commonwealth of Oceana, published in 1656, is a work of political philosophy by English politician and essayist James Harrington. It is an exposition on an ideal constitution, designed to allow for the existence of a utopian republic. Harrington's theoretical argument states that the determining element of power in a state is property, particularly land ownership. He recommends an agrarian law limiting landholdings to generate a specific revenue and distributing landed property. This is to ensure that executive power is not vested for too long in the same individuals or class.
Now, onto the importance of nobility in maintaining monarchy:
In a monarchy, the nobility plays a crucial role in supporting the monarch and maintaining the stability of the system. Historically, membership in the nobility was granted by a monarch or government, often based on factors such as wealth, power, ownership of land, or royal favour. The nobility is typically organised into a hierarchy of ranks and titles, with privileges and social standing varying according to their level. In the United Kingdom, for example, the peerage system constitutes different nobility levels, each with its own set of privileges.
The nobility serves as a crucial link between the monarch and the people. In the feudal system, the nobility often held fiefs, particularly land, in exchange for allegiance and military services to a suzerain, who could be a higher-ranking nobleman or the monarch. This created a system of vassalage, with the nobility holding power and influence over specific regions.
In modern times, while the power of the nobility has diminished, they still retain some influence, particularly in philanthropic roles and as ambassadors for their regions. Additionally, their historical connections can provide them with "soft power" and the ability to offer informal advice to those in government.
Furthermore, the nobility contributes to the continuity and legitimacy of the monarchy. Hereditary titles, passed down through generations, create a sense of tradition and stability. This continuity can also be a source of pride and national identity for the people within the monarchy.
However, it is important to note that the balance of power between the nobility and the monarch must be carefully maintained. As James Harrington noted in "The Commonwealth of Oceana", if the nobility becomes too powerful, it can lead to a shift towards a commonwealth, as seen in the case of Rome, where the nobility overthrew the people and established a new balance of power that led to an absolute monarchy.
In conclusion, the nobility plays a vital role in maintaining the monarchy by providing support to the monarch, acting as a link between the ruler and the people, and contributing to the system's stability and continuity. While their power has diminished over time, the nobility still retains some influence, and their presence helps maintain the delicate balance necessary for the functioning of a monarchy.
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The concept of a utopian republic
The Commonwealth of Oceana, published in 1656, is a work of political philosophy by English politician and essayist James Harrington. It is an exposition on an ideal constitution, designed to allow for the existence of a utopian republic. Harrington's work was not implemented in his time, but it offers valuable insights into the concept of a utopian republic.
Harrington's magnum opus presents a detailed vision of a utopian republic, with specific strategies for its establishment and maintenance. One of the key elements of Harrington's utopian republic is the belief that the determining factor of power in a state is property ownership, particularly land ownership. He argues that where there is equality of estates, there must be equality of power, and monarchy cannot exist. This concept forms the basis for Harrington's proposed constitution, which aims to ensure a balance of power and prevent the concentration of power in a single individual or class.
The Commonwealth of Oceana outlines a system of government that promotes equality and representation. Harrington suggests that the executive power should not be vested for an extended period in the same person or group, advocating for regular rotation through ballot. In his model, a third of the executive or senate would be voted out annually and unable to be re-elected for three years, ensuring a constant influx of new ideas and perspectives.
Harrington's utopian republic also emphasises the importance of a competent nobility. He acknowledges that a certain level of nobility is necessary for effective governance, but it must be balanced with the interests of the commonwealth as a whole. The nobility's role is to serve as counselors to the people, debating and providing advice, while the ultimate decision-making power rests with the people. This dynamic ensures that the interest of the few does not override the profit of the entire commonwealth.
Furthermore, Harrington's concept of a utopian republic includes a well-structured legislative process. He proposes that the senate, or a representative body, engages in debates and discussions, formulating decrees that are then proposed to the people for resolution. This two-tiered system allows for both wise counsel and popular consent, creating a balanced and stable form of governance.
The Commonwealth of Oceana, with its detailed examination of an ideal constitution, provides a fascinating exploration of the concept of a utopian republic. While it may not have been implemented during Harrington's lifetime, it continues to offer valuable insights into the design of a just and equitable political system.
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Frequently asked questions
The Commonwealth of Oceana is a work of political philosophy by English politician and essayist James Harrington.
The Commonwealth of Oceana, published in 1656, is an exposition on an ideal constitution, designed to allow for the existence of a utopian republic. It outlines Harrington's theoretical argument that the determining element of power in a state is property, particularly landed property.
The Commonwealth of Oceana emphasizes the importance of distributing power and preventing the concentration of executive power in a single individual or class. It also advocates for a competent nobility and the involvement of the whole body of the people in the governing process.
The Commonwealth of Oceana reflects on the rise and fall of different forms of government, including the Roman monarchy and commonwealth. It draws lessons from the past to propose a system that aims to balance power and prevent the excesses of pure monarchy, aristocracy, or democracy.
