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Single Idea 19894
[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 4. Citizenship
]
Full Idea
Nothing can make any man a subject or member of a commonwealth but his actually entering into it by positive engagement, and express promise and compact.
Gist of Idea
You can only become an actual member of a commonwealth by an express promise
Source
John Locke (Second Treatise of Government [1690], 122)
Book Ref
Locke,John: 'Two Treatises of Government' [Everyman 1988], p.179
A Reaction
In practice the indigenous population never do this. But it a clear distinction for foreign residents in any country. States cannot induct resident foreigners into their army, or allow them to vote.
Related Idea
Idea 19893
Anyone who enjoys the benefits of a state has given tacit consent to be part of it [Locke]
The
50 ideas
from 'Second Treatise of Government'
5654
|
The Second Treatise explores the consequences of the contractual view of the state
[Locke, by Scruton]
|
6580
|
Locke (and Marx) held that ownership of objects is a natural relation, based on the labour put into it
[Locke, by Fogelin]
|
20520
|
Locke says 'mixing of labour' entitles you to land, as well as nuts and berries
[Wolff,J on Locke]
|
19863
|
Politics is the right to make enforceable laws to protect property and the state, for the common good
[Locke]
|
19864
|
In nature men can dispose of possessions and their persons in any way that is possible
[Locke]
|
19865
|
There is no subjection in nature, and all creatures of the same species are equal
[Locke]
|
19866
|
The rational law of nature says we are all equal and independent, and should show mutual respect
[Locke]
|
19867
|
Reparation and restraint are the only justifications for punishment
[Locke]
|
19868
|
It is only by a law of Nature that we can justify punishing foreigners
[Locke]
|
19869
|
Punishment should make crime a bad bargain, leading to repentance and deterrence
[Locke]
|
19870
|
If you try to enslave me, you have declared war on me
[Locke]
|
19871
|
Freedom is not absence of laws, but living under laws arrived at by consent
[Locke]
|
19872
|
The animals and fruits of the earth belong to mankind
[Locke]
|
19873
|
We all own our bodies, and the work we do is our own
[Locke]
|
19874
|
If a man mixes his labour with something in Nature, he thereby comes to own it
[Locke]
|
19875
|
A man's labour gives ownership rights - as long as there are fair shares for all
[Locke]
|
19876
|
Gathering natural fruits gives ownership; the consent of other people is irrelevant
[Locke]
|
19877
|
Fountain water is everyone's, but a drawn pitcher of water has an owner
[Locke]
|
19878
|
Mixing labour with a thing bestows ownership - as long as the thing is not wasted
[Locke]
|
19879
|
A man owns land if he cultivates it, to the limits of what he needs
[Locke]
|
19880
|
All value depends on the labour involved
[Locke]
|
19881
|
The aim of law is not restraint, but to make freedom possible
[Locke]
|
19882
|
We are not created for solitude, but are driven into society by our needs
[Locke]
|
19883
|
Slaves captured in a just war have no right to property, so are not part of civil society
[Locke]
|
19884
|
There is only a civil society if the members give up all of their natural executive rights
[Locke]
|
19885
|
Absolute monarchy is inconsistent with civil society
[Locke]
|
19886
|
The idea that absolute power improves mankind is confuted by history
[Locke]
|
19887
|
Unanimous consent makes a united community, which is then ruled by the majority
[Locke]
|
19888
|
A society only begins if there is consent of all the individuals to join it
[Locke]
|
19892
|
Children are not born into citizenship of a state
[Locke]
|
6702
|
If anyone enjoys the benefits of government (even using a road) they give tacit assent to its laws
[Locke]
|
19893
|
Anyone who enjoys the benefits of a state has given tacit consent to be part of it
[Locke]
|
19894
|
You can only become an actual member of a commonwealth by an express promise
[Locke]
|
19895
|
Even the legislature must be preceded by a law which gives it power to make laws
[Locke]
|
19898
|
Soldiers can be commanded to die, but not to hand over their money
[Locke]
|
19899
|
The consent of the people is essential for any tax
[Locke]
|
19900
|
The executive must not be the legislature, or they may exempt themselves from laws
[Locke]
|
19901
|
The people have supreme power, to depose a legislature which has breached their trust
[Locke]
|
19906
|
All countries are in a mutual state of nature
[Locke]
|
19902
|
Any obstruction to the operation of the legislature can be removed forcibly by the people
[Locke]
|
19903
|
Despotism is arbitrary power to kill, based neither on natural equality, nor any social contract
[Locke]
|
19905
|
People stripped of their property are legitimately subject to despotism
[Locke]
|
19907
|
There is a natural right to inheritance within a family
[Locke]
|
19908
|
Rebelling against an illegitimate power is no sin
[Locke]
|
19904
|
Legitimate prisoners of war are subject to despotism, because that continues the state of war
[Locke]
|
19909
|
A politic society is created from a state of nature by a unanimous agreement
[Locke]
|
19910
|
A single will creates the legislature, which is duty-bound to preserve that will
[Locke]
|
19911
|
If legislators confiscate property, or enslave people, they are no longer owed obedience
[Locke]
|
19912
|
Self-defence is natural, but not the punishment of superiors by inferiors
[Locke]
|
19913
|
A master forfeits ownership of slaves he abandons
[Locke]
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