Hippolyte Taine
Du suffrage universel et de la manière de voter
"Du suffrage universel et de la manière de voter" by Hippolyte Taine is a political treatise written in the early 1870s, during the post-Franco-Prussian War period in France. The book explores the principles and practicalities of universal suffrage and the voting process, arguing for a thoughtful approach to democracy that accommodates the intellect and needs of the population at that time, particularly emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making in elections. In this work, Taine critiques the existing systems of voting and opinion in France, which he perceives as ineffective and prone to manipulation. He discusses the shortcomings of direct universal suffrage, particularly in rural settings where voters lack the information to make informed choices about candidates. Taine advocates for a two-tiered voting system, wherein local electors from smaller communities select representatives who then make choices for broader elections. He believes this method will enhance political awareness and engagement among voters, fostering a more educated electorate capable of making thoughtful decisions. Throughout the book, Taine underlines the necessity for electoral laws to reflect the realities and intelligences of the populace to ensure genuine representation and democratic integrity.