A lawmaking body with a single house of elected representatives
Emperor Trajan is a great one
The right to petition members of the government is contained in the First Amendment to the constitution.
In the ancient Sumerian society, the priests were so influential because people thought that they were the representatives of God. People beleived in God but they could not see them. The priests took advantage of the fear of god among people to become very influential in the Sumerian society. The common people were of the opinion that the Gods used to speak to them through the help of these priests. The priests were so powerful during those times that they even became rulers of certain city-states. Actually they were taking advantage of the beliefs of the common people.
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“Owe my soul to the company store”
Buying on credit, from employer, means you will likely fall into a cycle of debt to one supplier. Limiting your ability to make purchases from other vendors.
Or to even look for work in another town/move on. Until you pay of your recurring debts, employer effectively owns you!!
Companies in say mining towns, owned or controlled every business from butcher shop, general stores, the bank etc. A monopoly.