William Tyler
Constitutional Democracy: How Can it Flourish?
Summary
A look at the role the English colonialist Thomas Hooker played in the establishment of modern democracy in America and England, as well as the challenges posed by right-wing populism and the need to protect and renew democracy.
William Tyler
William Tyler has spent his entire professional life in adult education, beginning at Kingsgate College in 1969. He has lectured widely for many public bodies, including the University of Cambridge and the WEA, in addition to speaking to many clubs and societies. In 2009, William was awarded the MBE for services to adult education, and he has previously been a scholar in residence at the London Jewish Cultural Centre.
The Bill of Rights was a small attempt in Britain to have a form of written constitution. It’s only part of what is there in Britain. If you are thinking about American Bill of Rights, it is a further explanation of the Constitution. We have a rule of law as FDR and Churchill said, it is Magna Carta. It is the rights of individuals. It’s the emphasis upon the individual. Look at what China is doing in Hong Kong, destroying the rule of law, destroying the rights of individuals, destroying the right of free assembly and free speech.
I think short-termism is more likely to arise as a problem in democracy than in other forms of government. Simply because it’s a question of being either for an individual or for a party to be reelected. Therefore, it’s why political parties, just before elections give away tax benefits. They’re doing it not for the good of the country, but for the good of the party.