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In reply to the discussion: Political scientist predicted that the American system of government was unstable and would collapse [View all]FarCenter
(19,429 posts)12. Stable governments alternate between an oligarchy and an emperor
In societies that enjoy large epochs of relative peace, oligarchies of the barons form for most of the time. Occasionally, one baron usurps power and becomes an emperor for a time, usually with the support of the masses. Then power slips away to the oligarchy again.
Democracies are highly unusual, and are feasible only in small countries or in countries with large natural resources per capita with fast growing economies.
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Political scientist predicted that the American system of government was unstable and would collapse [View all]
Cali_Democrat
Oct 2013
OP
Rereading my own post, I think the question of legitimate authority explains a lot
starroute
Oct 2013
#26