Liberal Democracy Versus Late Medieval Constitutionalism: Struggles Over Representation in the Dutch Republic (1780-1800)

Abstract

This article rejects the claim that medieval constitutional arrangements have provided the basis for the development of representative democracy in Europe. Through a study of the late eighteenth century Dutch Republic, it shows instead that medieval institutions formed an obstacle for democratization. Although these institutions did enable the political integration of privileged citizens, they obstructed efforts by liberal reformers to introduce more general freedom and equality for the majority of the population. In fact, resistance against liberal reforms primarily came from groups that were involved in local practices of consultation. Consequently, the reformers tried to further freedom and equality by centralizing the state. However, this effort eventually led to the breakdown of the democratization process, as the supporters of the late medieval institutions used the representative system to resist political change. It turned out that the liberalization of Dutch political system could only be pursued by eliminating representation altogether.

Keywords: Dutch Republic, democratization, liberal democracy, medieval constitutionalism, centralization, revolution, Patriots, French Revolution