Single Idea 19892

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 4. Citizenship]

Full Idea

It is plain, by the practices of governments themselves, as well as by the laws of right reason, that a child is born a subject of no country nor government.

Gist of Idea

Children are not born into citizenship of a state

Source

John Locke (Second Treatise of Government [1690], 118)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Two Treatises of Government' [Everyman 1988], p.177


A Reaction

At what age do they become citizens, given that there is no induction ceremony? If a small British child were attacked overseas, we would expect the British government to defend its rights.

Related Idea

Idea 19893 Anyone who enjoys the benefits of a state has given tacit consent to be part of it [Locke]