An association consists simply in the public assent whivh a number
of individuals give to certain doctrines ; and in the engagement which
they contract to promote the spread of those doctrines by their exer-
tions. The right of associating with these views is very analogous to
the liberty of unlicensed writing ; but societies thus formed possess more
authority than the press. When an opinion is represented by a society,
it necessarily assumes a more exact and explicit form. It numbers its
partisans, and compromises their welfare in its cause ; they, on the other
hand, become acquainted with each other, and their zeal is increased
by their number. A.n association unites the efforts of minds which
have a tendency to diverge, in one single channel, and urges them
vigorously towards one single end which it points out.
The second degree in the right of association is the power of meet-
ing. When an association is allowed to establish centres of action at
certain important points in the country, its activity is increased, and
its influence extended. Men have the opportunity of seeing each
other; means of execution are more readily combined; and opinions
are maintained with a degree of warmth and energy which written
language cannot approach.
Lastly, in the exercise of the right of political association, there is
a third degree : the partisans of an opinion may unite in electoral bo«
dies, and choose delegates to represent them in a central assembly.
This is, properly speaking, the application of the representative system
to a party.
