GOVERNMENT has no rights; it is a delegation from several individuals for the purpose of securing their own. It is therefore just, only so far as it exists by their consent, useful only so far as it operates to their well-being.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Government derives its authority solely from individuals to protect their rights, making it legitimate only when it consents and serves their welfare.
- In plain terms
- Government only works when people agree to it and it helps them.
- What can you take from it?
- Legitimacy depends on consent and utility to the individual.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does consent become implied rather than explicit?
- How do you measure well-being in governance?
Another view
It overlooks how collective action sometimes requires temporary surrender of individual control.
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