Yes this is true, all of that would be considered earth science.
The only answer related to the subject is "the results of their experiments".
After Scientific revolution scientists came up with theoretical conceptions and tried to prove them with experiments. There had to be both theoretical explanation and emirical proof. Before they were much more liberal when it comes to coming up with "scientific theorems", which explained results of their experiments.
"Crescit eundo". It is a Latin phrase meaning "it grows as it goes".
The reason why a democratic government rules within limits set by the citizens is because the citizens elect the people who make the rules--meaning that if someone goes against the interests of the populace they simply won't get elected.
