民主的复兴与限制——J.S.密尔《代议制政府》思想评述

The Revival of and Restriction on Democracy——Comments on J.S.Mill's Consideration on Representative Government

时值英国的议会改革,密尔的《代议制政府》不是空想的乌托邦,而是他设计的政治蓝图和一个权力分配的方案。为了同封建贵族争夺议会的权力,资产阶级必须扛起民主的大旗,以赋予其行为的正当性,为政府的改革提供依据和方向。因此,要复兴民主,并做出适合现实的阐释。但是,由于其阶级利益的要求,以及自由主义思想的主张和现实环境的考虑,复兴民主的同时又要对民主进行必要的限制,以保证民主安全的运行。所以,密尔主张的代议制政府背后的逻辑是民主的复兴与限制的思想。

At the time of the British Parliament reform in 1867, representative government set up in Mill＇s book was no longer a Utopia, but a practical blueprint in politics about power distribution. In order to compete for the parliament＇s power with feudal aristocracy, the bourgeoisie had to hold the banner of democracy, to endow themselves the legitimacy of their conducts and to guide and pave way for the reform. Therefore, the revival of democracy and explanation in accordance with reality are urgently needed. Meanwhile, from the perspective of their class interest, liberal thought and the realistic environment, the bourgeoisie had to place necessary restrictions, to the democracy at the same time, so as to guarantee its smooth and stable running. Therefore, the underlying logic of Mill＇s representative government is the thought of democratic revival and restriction.