Disquisition On Government: A Masterpiece of American Political Thought

A Disquisition on Government

by John C. Calhoun

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	163 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	422 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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John Calhoun's Disquisition On Government is a classic work of political theory that explores the nature of government and the relationship between the individual and the state. First published in 1851, the Disquisition remains a relevant and influential work today, offering insights into the challenges of governing a diverse and complex society.

Calhoun's central argument in the Disquisition is that government is a necessary evil. He argues that humans are naturally selfish and ambitious, and that without government, society would descend into chaos. However, Calhoun also believes that government must be limited in Free Download to protect individual liberty. He argues that the best form of government is a republic, in which power is divided among different branches and levels of government.

Calhoun's ideas about government have been influential in American political thought. His emphasis on individual liberty and limited government has been echoed by many conservative thinkers. His ideas about the nature of slavery have also been influential, although they are now widely discredited.

The Disquisition On Government is a complex and challenging work. However, it is also a rewarding one. Calhoun's insights into the nature of government and the relationship between the individual and the state are still relevant today. The Disquisition is a must-read for anyone interested in American political thought.

The Nature of Government

Calhoun begins the Disquisition by exploring the nature of government. He argues that government is a necessary evil. Humans are naturally selfish and ambitious, and without government, society would descend into chaos. However, Calhoun also believes that government must be limited in Free Download to protect individual liberty.

Calhoun identifies two essential elements of government: force and consent. Force is necessary to maintain Free Download and protect society from external threats. Consent is necessary to legitimize government and to ensure that it is responsive to the needs of the people.

Calhoun argues that the best form of government is a republic, in which power is divided among different branches and levels of government. This division of power helps to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful and oppressive.

The Relationship Between the Individual and the State

Calhoun also explores the relationship between the individual and the state. He argues that the individual is the primary unit of society, and that the state exists to serve the individual. However, Calhoun also believes that the individual has a duty to obey the laws of the state.

Calhoun identifies two fundamental rights of the individual: the right to life and the right to liberty. He argues that these rights are essential to human flourishing, and that the state must protect these rights.

Calhoun also argues that the individual has a duty to participate in government. He believes that the best way to protect individual liberty is to have a government that is responsive to the needs of the people.

The Legacy of Disquisition On Government

Disquisition On Government has been a controversial and influential work since its publication in 1851. Calhoun's ideas about government have been echoed by many conservative thinkers. His ideas about the nature of slavery have also been influential, although they are now widely discredited.

The Disquisition is a complex and challenging work. However, it is also a rewarding one. Calhoun's insights into the nature of government and the relationship between the individual and the state are still relevant today. The Disquisition is a must-read for anyone interested in American political thought.

A Disquisition on Government

by John C. Calhoun

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	163 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	422 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE