Thoughts on the Present Discontents, and Speeches

"Thoughts on the Present Discontents, and Speeches" by Edmund Burke is a political examination of 18th-century Britain, focusing on the unhappiness with the government and the power shared between the king and the elected officials. Burke argues for a government that truly represents the people and is responsible to them. He points out the problems of a society where money has too much influence in politics and where those in charge seem disconnected from the everyday citizen. He cautions against letting royal power become more important than what the people want, and that power should reflect the needs of the people it serves. These ideas set the stage for a deep look at political power during a time of huge social changes.