Some elements of political economy in the thought of Sir John Fortescue

Abstract

This paper focuses on Fortescue’s analysis of the economic impact of various forms of government, based on a comparison between the material well-being which the English enjoy by virtue of their “political kingdom” and the conditions of extreme poverty of the common people in France, an effect of their political-legal system. Fortescue’s criteria for judging between different regimes are pragmatic: the main reason for his preference for the temperate monarchy of England is the fact that it gives all inhabitants full enjoyment of the fruits of their labour, and encourages the economic growth of all parts of the realm.