The  time  was  long  past  in  which  the  public  affairs  of  the  country  were
determined  by  one  supreme  will  ;  but  its  political  life  had  not  yet  (as  at
a  later  period)  retreated  within  the  several  boundaries  of  the  constituent
members  of  the  empire.  The  imperial  assemblies  exercised  rights  and
powers  which,  though  not  accurately  defined,  were  yet  the  comprehensive
and  absolute  powers  of  sovereignty.  They  made  war  and  peace  ;  levied
taxes  ;  exercised  a  supreme  supervision,  and  were  even  invested  with
executive  power.  Together  with  the  deputies  from  the  cities,  and  the
representatives  of  the  counts  and  lords,  appeared  the  emperor  and  the
sovereign  princes  in  person.  It  is  true  they  discussed  the  most  important
affairs  of  their  respective  countries  in  their  several  colleges,  or  in  com-
mittees chosen  from  the  whole  body,  and  the  questions  were  decided  by
the  majority  of  voices.  The  unity  of  the  nation  was  represented  by  these
assemblies.  Within  the  wide  borders  of  the  empire  nothing  of  importance
could  occur  which  did  not  here  come  under  deliberation  ;  nothing  new
arise,  which  must  not  await  its  final  decision  and  execution  here.
