Political power

Political Power

Defined as the right to make laws with penalties, including the death penalty.
Power is for regulating and preserving property and employing community force for law enforcement and defense of the commonwealth.
All actions are for the public good.

Natural Condition: All humans are naturally in a state of perfect freedom to order their actions without dependence on others, as long as they don’t violate the law of Nature.
Equality: All individuals have equivalent power and jurisdiction; no one is above another unless designated by a clear, unmistakable will.
Limitations on Liberty: While there is freedom, it is not an unrestricted license; individuals cannot harm themselves or others without a higher purpose.
Law of Nature: Governs the state of nature requiring all to respect each other's life, health, liberty, and possessions.
Right to Enforce Law: Every individual has the right to enforce the law of nature against transgressors to maintain peace and preserve mankind's welfare.

Justification of War: Individuals have the right to destroy threats against their existence, prioritizing the innocent in conflict.
Definition of War: Attempting to enslave another initiates a state of war; freedom is essential for preservation.
Outcome of War: Once the direct threat is resolved, normal society ties resume; conflicts are judged fairly.

Natural Liberty: Defined as being free from any superior power and not under human legislative authority.
Government's Role: Liberty in society entails being governed by laws made through collective consent, not individual whims.
Freedom from Arbitrary Power: Essential for preservation of self; relinquishing such freedom compromises life and safety.

Formation of Government: Individuals consent to form communities for safe, peaceful coexistence and property security.
Majority Rule: Decisions are made collectively by the majority, requiring individual consent to enable the community to function as a single entity.

Loss of Uncertain Freedom: Although free in nature, individuals seek society for safety against others' unpredictability and potential threats to property.
Purpose of Government: The primary aim for uniting into commonwealths is the preservation and protection of property, which is less secure in a state of nature.

Definition: Despotical power is unaccountable dominance over another's life, which is neither supported by natural law nor by mutual agreement.
Consequences of Despotism: Abandoning reason to impose unjust power places the despot at risk from those whom they oppress.

Reason for Society Formation: Established to ensure property preservation with laws to safeguard individuals’ estates.
Legislative Trust: Legislators must not act against the interests of the people; failure to do so results in a breach of trust, leading to a state of war.
Restoration of Rights: When government powers are breached, citizens have the right to reclaim liberty and establish a new governance aligned with their safety and security.