Problems of Government 133philosophical rather than political question of freedom and
authority. Regardless of the form a government takes, rule of the
one, rule of the few, or rule of the many (see Aristotle)—it must
exercise authority. Too much authority exercised— less freedom
for the citizenry. Too little authority exercised—more freedom
for the citizenry. Thus, the question of justification aside, no
system guarantees the ideal relationship between authority and
freedom. This point is made to make the student aware of the fact
that simply because the many have a role in the making of the
law, that does not insure that the law will be effective, beneficial,
or even just. One need only look at the excesses of the French
Revolution to understand that point.
Concentration of Powers vs Dispersion of Powers
The issue of concentration of powers vs dispersion of powers
deals primarily with how a state is constituted in order to carry
out its function. Once again, the issue deals with matters of
degree and the pitfalls are similar to those discussed in the
previous issues.
To concentrate power in one group, one entity, one territorial
sphere will usually yield certain results in terms of administra
tion. The primary advantage of concentrating power is effi
ciency. Expenses are kept to a minimum, duplication of effort is
eliminated, the ability to translate communicated needs into
action is easier, and unified action once decisions are made is
assured. The obvious problems revolve around the tendency of
a person or group acting without opposition to become isolated,
to lose sight of the common purpose, to use the power for their
own purposes, and to use the structure to become authoritarian.
To disperse power to different, often conflicting, groups will
usually result in much wasted time, duplication of effort, greater
expense, slow, plodding resolution of problems, and conflict and
friction in the carrying out of the governmental actions resulting
from the final decision. The value of such a system is that
conflicting views can often yield better solutions to problems,
and time and deliberation in the discussion process give oppor
tunities to reflect and make more informed judgments. Also, the
prospect for a more independent, freer society, while not as