Harrington, James (1611–1677)

English political philosopher. He spent some time with Charles I during his imprisonment, and on the king's death devoted himself to the composition of Oceana, a minutely worked-out scheme for an oligarchical republic, which had some influence on the authors of the US constitution. He held that power was based ultimately on landed property, and that executive office should be held in rotation by ballot. In 1661 he was imprisoned by Charles II on a charge of conspiracy. Harrington was born in Upton, Northamptonshire, England.