The German national organization and policy was wrought in a manner entirely different from that of either France or England.

In the two latter countries political freedom was conquered only as the result of successive revolutions; and the ruling classes were obliged to recognize the source of these political reformations by renouncing all or a large part of their inherited responsibilities.

In Germany, on the other hand, or rather in Prussia as the maker of modern Germany, the various changes in the national organization and policy, which have resulted in the founding of a united nation, originated either with the crown or with the royal counselors.

The Prussian monarchy has, consequently, passed through the revolutionary period without abandoning its political leadership of the Prussian state.

It has created a national representative body; but it has not followed the English example and allowed such a body to tie its hands; and it has remained, consequently, the most completely responsible and representative monarchy in Europe.
Up to the present time this responsibility and power have on the whole been deserved by the manner in which they have been exercised.