Political Theory Exam 2

What is the role of natural law once governments are established?

Employs all power in making laws for the community and execute those laws by officers they appoint. Preservation of society and it is to govern even the legislative himself.

Can a legitimate government have absolute power? Can it have arbitrary power?

Not, it can’t be absolutely arbitrary over the people.

What limits must be placed on the legislative power?

Can only dispense justice and decide rights of subjects by standing laws and authorized judges. Has no arbitrary power. Laws have to be assigned for public good and peace. Can’t raise taxes on property without consent from the people. No transfer of power.

What is the “federative” power?

Power of war and peace, leagues and alliances, and all transactions with all persons and communities without the commonwealth.

What powers should be given to the executive?

Has the power to execute laws, and makes sure they are continuously obeyed and implemented. Works with the federative power.

What is prerogative, and when may it be exercised?

Power of the executive to act according to discretion. Acting outside the law. For the good of the people.

In what ways can the governments be dissolved form within?

When the legislative is altered, a prince hinders the legislative from assembling in due time, arbitrary powers of the prince, electors, or election is altered, the delivery of the people into subjection of foreign power by the prince or legislative, the supreme executive neglects and abandons, and the legislative or prince act contrary to their trust.

Why won’t a right to revolution lead to constant instability?

A right to revolution would act as a ferment or frequent rebellion and cause constant instability.

To whom does power revert when a government is dissolved?

The power goes to the community to restart the government

What is the proper role of the state, and what means can it use toward this end?

To protect outward civil interests, specifically life, liberty, health, and property. Can use outward coercion and law, limits on forcem and civil interventions.

Why shouldn’t the magistrate care for people’s souls?

The magistrate doesn’t know the path to salvation. Coercion can’t produce sincere faith. Salvation would depend on where you’re born. No one gave the magistrate authority to look over everyone.

What is the proper role of the church and what means can it use toward this end?

The perfect inverse of government. Its purposed is to care for our souls and help us to achieve salvation.

Where should the line be drawn between the church and state with regard to outward worship (rites, ceremonies, etc.)?

State has no authority to prohibit a religious ceremony or rite if the individual components of it are already legal in their everyday lives. Church can’t claim religious freedom to proactive a rite or ceremony that involve actions that are harmful or illegal.

Does morality fall under the domain of the church or the state, or both?

The state has jurisdiction over moral rules, specifically necessary for the prevention of civil society?

Should people follow their conscience or the law if they come into conflict?

They should follow their conscience over an unjust law, but they must also passively accept the civil punishment for breaking that law.

What four sorts of doctrines shouldn’t be tolerated, and why?

Doctrines that undermine society, churches that say that faith need not be kept with those outside the church, churches that are loyal to a foreign prince, and atheism.

What historical examples demonstrate that the arts and sciences are corrupting?

The advancement of civilization, culture, and intellect causes moral decay. Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Byzantine, China.

How do the arts and sciences undermine virute?

They are replacing genuine virtue with vanity, deceit, and social dependence.

Are the arts and sciences corrupting for everyone?

Generally corrupting to all of society, except for some. Not for masses, true philosophers, and the harmless inquiry.

Should we try to get rid of the arts and sciences?

We can’t just get ride of them once society has already advanced. You can’t forcefully strip away knowledge. Suggests that enlightened rules should employ rare wise scientists and philosophers as advisors to public welfare.