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Single Idea 19818

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 2. State Legitimacy / a. Sovereignty]

Full Idea

The laws regulating the relationship of the sovereign to the state are political laws, which are also fundamental. There is one way of organising a state, and people should stand by it. ...But a people is always in a position to change its laws.

Gist of Idea

Political laws are fundamental, as they firmly organise the state - but they could still be changed

Source

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract [1762], II.12)

A Reaction

Constitutions take on a sacred and inviolable quality, but Rousseau clearly thinks 'the Sabbath is made for man'. I think the USA is crazy not to change its constitution on the subject of bearing arms.

Book Reference

Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Basic Political Writings', ed/tr. Cress,Donald A. [Hackett 1987], p.172

Related Idea

Idea 19819 The state ensures liberty, so civil law separates citizens, and binds them to the state [Rousseau]