The philosophical, humanistic interpretation of the power of a nation as that of a society based not only on freedom and equality but also on the separation of power was well known, but there was little understanding of how a state might actually function, and how democracy might be defended.
Puudu jäi aga teadmisest, kuidas riik funktsioneerib, millele tugineb riigi stabiilsus, kuidas demokraatiat kaitsta.