1) Put someone in charge, so that they can overrule the evil of the masses
2) Put the masses in charge, so that they can overrule the evil of individuals
Naturally the Romans, governmentally smart buggers that they were, adopted both.
In modern times, I think the best we can get is putting the masses in charge, with specific prohibitions on dumb things we know they'll try to do (e.g. trade freedom for security when they're scared).
1) Put someone in charge, so that they can overrule the evil of the masses
2) Put the masses in charge, so that they can overrule the evil of individuals
Naturally the Romans, governmentally smart buggers that they were, adopted both.
In modern times, I think the best we can get is putting the masses in charge, with specific prohibitions on dumb things we know they'll try to do (e.g. trade freedom for security when they're scared).