Governance

Who and where is ‘the government’? To what extent is governance needed and who is sovereign?

Is it a good idea for many people to give their rights to a few and let them make all the decisions without asking the people’s opinion on anything?

John Locke (1632 - 1704) was a British philosopher.

In The Second Treatise of Government he argues that the people are sovereign and defines how legitimate government works with reference to natural rights and the social contract. He wanted everyone to use reason to find the truth rather than simply accept what the authorities say and he opposed authoritarianism.

Thus:

Social Contract people agree to give up some freedom in exchange for protection and security, and also to consent to some laws in exchange for the protection of those laws.

Natural Laws let people flourish people by using reason to determine what is true, and the legitimate functions institution can perform for both the individual and society for its material and spiritual wellbeing.

If a just system were not used, either the smarter and stronger would take other’s lives, freedoms or property, or the weaker people would join together and take the rights of the smarter and stronger people.

It seems clear which group runs things. Furthermore, politics and governance go hand in hand. If one is corrupt, both are corrupt.