Government

Government is legitimate when it rules for the common good, not the rulers' private advantage.

Earthly government is a remedy for sin: a necessary restraint on fallen human nature.

Legitimate government derives from natural law. Tyrannical rule forfeits its authority.

Legitimacy is a question of effective power. Rulers must learn how 'not to be good.'

Legitimate government is absolute sovereignty, authorized by the consent of the governed.

Government exists to protect natural rights. When it violates them, the people may revolt.

Liberty is preserved by the separation of powers. Government must be divided against itself.

Legitimate government expresses the general will: the people ruling themselves in common.

Legitimate government is republican: law-governed, representative, with separated powers.

The rational state is the actualization of freedom: not a mere contract but an ethical whole.

Representative democracy is the best form of government, ideally for all, subject to conditions.

The state is an instrument of class rule. It will wither away when classes are abolished.