Modern Government

Ernest J. P. Benn

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2026
• Print ISBN:
  9781041372585
• Edition: 1
• eBook ISBN:
  9781040982211
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: British History
• Index: History

Modern Government (originally published in 1936) is a critique of the rapid expansion of state intervention and bureaucracy in Britain during the interwar period. The early 20th century was a crucial period in the making of the modern British state, when its fundamental contours were moulded by conflict and great-power competition. Known for his strong laissez-faire views, the author argues that the growing involvement of the state in economic and social affairs is harmful to individual liberty and national prosperity. The key themes the book addresses are: Anti-Bureaucracy: Benn presents the government as a "busybody in other men's matters," arguing that state officials lack the expertise and incentive to manage industry or social matters efficiently; Defense of Capitalism: Written after his transition from a believer in state intervention to a staunch supporter of free markets, the book argues that private enterprise is superior to state planning; The Cost of "Progress": Benn highlights the financial and social costs of an expanding bureaucracy, warning against the long-term dangers of political control over the economy.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Original Title Page
• Original Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• Part One Government as a Subject
• I Introduction
• II The Lure of Public Life
• III Youth's Opportunity—old and New
• IV Demands Upon Government
• V The Twin Forces : Enterprise and Order
• VI Public Opinion in the Mass
• VII Trouble
• VIII Otherness
• IX The Nature of Obedience
• Part Two Bureaucracy
• X Public Officials
• XI "Prepared to Allow"
• XII The Seamy Side of Government
• Part Three Cause and Effect
• XIII The Uttermost Farthing
• XIV A Price for Everything
• XV The Restraint of Trade
• XVI Public Debts
• Part Four Retrospect and Prospect
• XVII Political Housing and Real Building
• XVIII The Industrial Revolution
• XIX The League of Nations
• XX Politics and The Churches