Public questions had not received the complete ventilation on the platform and in the press that they obtain at the present time; and in the debate of a representative assembly the chance existed of a really illuminating and formative conflict of opinion.

Representatives were often selected, who were capable of adding something to the candid and serious consideration of a question of public policy.

The need helped to develop men capable of meeting it.
Now, however, American legislatures, with the partial exception of the Federal Senate, have ceased to be deliberative bodies.

Public questions receive their effective discussion in the press and on the platform.
Public opinion is definitely formed before the meeting of the legislature; and the latter has become simply a vehicle for realizing or betraying the mandates of popular opinion.

Its function is or should be to devise or to help in the devising of means, necessary to accomplish a predetermined policy.