The observation that the British parliament possesses the authority to perform any task except for changing a person's gender became a hallmark of Jean-Louis de Lolme. A writer and jurist from the Republic of Geneva, he spent years in exile investigating the structural mechanics of the English government before publishing his findings on constitutional theory.
Early Legal Career and Exile
Born in 1740 or 1741 in the Republic of Geneva, de Lolme initially pursued legal studies and practice. His departure from his homeland was precipitated by the publication of a pamphlet titled Examen de trois parts de droit. This work offended local authorities, forcing him into a long period of exile in England. While residing there, he lived on a precarious income generated through contributions to various journals.
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His primary work, Constitution de l'Angleterre, appeared in 1771 in Amsterdam. An English version followed in 1775. De Lolme argued for a system of balanced government that distributed power across monarchical, aristocratic, and democratic elements. He identified the unwritten constitution of the United Kingdom as an ideal model, praising its representative democracy while advocating for broader suffrage. He formulated these ideas in direct opposition to the radical direct democracy theories held by his compatriot, Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
Other Publications and Political Commentary
Beyond his major constitutional study, de Lolme wrote A Parallel between the English Government and the Former Government of Sweden in 1772. He also authored The History of the Flagellants around 1776, which utilized material from Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux. In 1787, he produced An Essay, Containing a Few Strictures on the Union of Scotland with England. Some scholars have suggested he may be the individual behind the pseudonym Junius, a prolific political commentator of that era.
Return and Final Years
Financial hardship defined much of his time abroad, leading him to accept assistance from a charitable society in 1775 to fund his return to the continent. He eventually settled in Seewen, a village located in the Canton of Schwyz. He died there on 16 July 1806, leaving behind a body of work that provided contemporaries with a rigorous, if sometimes criticized, framework for interpreting constitutional governance.
Fast facts
- Born: 1740 or 1741, Republic of Geneva
- Died: 16 July 1806, Seewen
- Primary Occupations: Writer, jurist, philosopher, political theorist
- Notable Work: Constitution de l'Angleterre (1771)
- Citizenship: Republic of Geneva, later British subject
- Language: French
Questions readers ask
What was de Lolme's view on the British government?
He believed it was the most effective example of balanced government, successfully integrating elements of monarchy, aristocracy, and representative democracy.
Why did de Lolme leave Geneva?
He was forced to emigrate after local authorities were offended by a pamphlet he authored regarding legal rights.