that for legislative purposes generally； the people should be represented by deputies。 The
so…called Representative Constitution is that form of government with which we connect the idea
of a free constitution； and this notion has bee a rooted prejudice。 On this theory People and
Government are separated。 But there is a perversity in this antithesis； an ill…intentioned ruse
designed to insinuate that the People are the totality of the State。 Besides； the basis of this view is
the principle of isolated individuality … the absolute validity of the subjective will … a dogma which
we have already investigated。 The great point is； that Freedom in its Ideal conception has not
subjective will and caprice for its principle； but the recognition of the universal will； and that the
process by which Freedom is realised is the free development of its successive stages。 The
subjective will is a merely formal determination … a carte blanche … not including what it is that is
willed。 Only the rational will is that universal principle which independently determines and
unfolds its own being； and develops its successive elemental phases as organic members。 Of this
Gothic…cathedral architecture the ancients knew nothing。
§ 50
At an earlier stage of the discussion； we established the two elemental considerations： first； the
idea of freedom as the absolute and final aim； secondly； the means for realising it； i。e。 the
subjective side of knowledge and will； with its life； movement； and activity。 We then recognised
the State as the moral Whole and the Reality of Freedom； and consequently as the objective unity
of these two elements。 For although we make this distinc