The Norman army assumes organization on English soil according to the feudal system which had been its own in Normandy.

A principle of authority and a principle of resistance thus exist, from the very first, in the community and in the government.
Before long the principle of resistance gets displaced; the strife between the peoples continues; but a new struggle arises between the Norman king and his barons.

The Norman kingship, strong in its growth, would fain become tyrannical; but its tyranny encounters a resistance, also strong, since the necessity for defending themselves against the Anglo-Saxons has caused the Norman barons to take up the practice of acting in concert, and has not permitted them to set themselves up as petty, isolated sovereigns.

The spirit of association receives development in England: the ancient institutions have maintained it amongst the English landholders, and the inadequacy of individual resistance has made it prevalent amongst the Norman barons.

The unity which springs from community of interests and from junction of forces amongst equals becomes a counter-poise to the unity of the sovereign power.