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 Reference
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]