David Hume (1711-1776) was a Scottish philosopher noted for his skepticism. But he also wrote a number of essays which had a significant influence on the evolution of constitutional government. The following are from a collection, Essays, Moral and Political, first published in 1748, and republished in 1777.
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On the Liberty of the Press— It
performs an essential role in keeping government in check. That politics may be reduced to a Science
— The form of government makes a difference. Good government is not just
about the goodness of rulers. Of the First Principles of Government —
What it takes to have good government. Of the Origin of Government — How
governments come into being and remain in power. Of the Independency of Parliament — The
separation of powers preserves liberty. Whether the British Government Inclines More to
Absolute Monarchy, or to a Republic — A balance of power preserves
liberty. Of Parties in General — How factions
arise and contend. Of the Parties of Great Britain — The
factions and their causes. Of Superstition and Enthusiasm— The
causes that give rise to factions. Of the Dignity or Meanness of Human Nature
— The virtues and vices that affect law and government. Of Civil Liberty — A certain amount is
needed for civic virtue and the well-being of the state. Of the Original Contract — There must
be a balance between coercion and consent in actual societies and their
governments. Idea of a Perfect Commonwealth — A
prototype constitution for a federal republic. It inspired the U.S.
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