| Part IV. Of Government |
| Chapter 20 In General When considering the questions of government, one must consider many policies, and see how different policies in each area will effect the attainment of the purposes of government. 1. Economics for only through this can needs and luxury be provided for. 2. Criminal Justice for only when this is a good policy can laws be enforced and the society be protected from inside dangers. 3. Military Power only when this is of the right degree can people be protected from hostile nations. One must also consider many other policies of government which deal primarily with the functioning of government, of which the most important are: 2. Will the Rulers be Represented or be present themselves? Once all these things are considered we may then answer the question What is the best government? It is obvious that the best government, like the best society is the one that achieves its purposes best, and by examining these, we may then arrive at the answer to this question. Chapter 21 Of Economics There are two major ideas behind this area of study (when considering government). There is the Capitalistic view and the Socialistic view. It is these two (and a combination of them) which will be examined. In a purely Capitalistic Economy, private individuals or groups own all companies, and there is very little government interference. These companies may range in size from a single farm to a large production company. There are several benefits and disadvantages to this economic policy. First, humans greedy nature allows for plenty of capital, which will allow for many companies. In theory, these companies would compete and those who produce quality goods would thrive, while the worst companies would go bankrupt and disappear. However, both of these benefits change to disadvantages under certain conditions. The greed of man may lead to fraud, and most definitely would lead to a high degree of fraud in a nation whose economy was completely unregulated. Also, the bankruptcy of the worse companies would eliminate competition from the market. Thus the monopoly which results may then charge high prices for a lower quality good. Thus, we see that the purest form of this economy does not provide for the needs and luxuries of the society very well. In a purely Socialistic Economy, all companies are owned by the government (in theory the entire society). This allows the government to have complete control over the economy. However, the end problems are the same as in a purely capitalistic economy (they are simply quicker to come about). It is obviously inefficient to allow every single member of the society to have an active say in the running of every company; thus a small group of government employees would run them. These automatic monopolies would then allow the government official to use the companies for their own benefit. With the end result being the same as that in a purely capitalistic economy. Thus, we see that neither of these would work well, the flaw in Capitalism being in the theory, in Socialism in the practicality. Thus, we must have a mixed economy, of which there are many types. It is obvious that people must have personal possessions for them to have luxuries. Thus, we see that a certain degree of Capitalism is necessary, for in Socialism all own all. However, we see that the monopolies that result from pure Capitalism are also in violation of the purposes of government. Therefore a regulated capitalistic economy must be the best. These are the policies that should regulate the economy. First, we must prevent monopolies, for in them is the end of a purpose of society. Also, we must demand competition in pricing. For only when prices are being competed with do prices stay at a reasonable level. We may examine this through an analogy. Why should a runner seek to improve unless there is someone better than himself? Also, if one is the best runner, he must always train to remain so, else another runner will pass him. So it is with competitive pricing. Only when one is not, or is in danger of not offering the best price, will prices improve. Thus we see that the best economic policy is a regulated Capitalistic one. Chapter 21 Of Criminal Justice In criminal justice there are many theories of which the two most extreme will be examined, and then a mixture of them. The most strict criminal justice system will have many things be illegal and the punishment for these be quite extreme (often death). This system will, in fact, eliminate the idea of choice altogether. By making it illegal to eat meat, they will force you to eat vegetables (and similar laws). It is obvious that this type of criminal justice system will only exist in theory (especially considering the current view of human rights). This system, if implemented would obviously spark revolts, and is therefore obviously not the best policy of criminal justice. The least strict criminal justice system will have few illegalities (if any) and very lenient punishment (if any) for these offenses. We see now that this type of justice system could not protect the citizens from crime, and therefore, is not fulfilling a purpose of government. This is due to the fact that the death penalty will never be given, in fact, life in prison will be deemed to strict. Thus, potentially dangerous criminals would have the ability to strike again. Therefore, we must have a mixed justice system. This justice system would have a moderate number of offenses and have strict punishments for these offenses (to prevent repeat offenses). Those things which should be illegal are those which do obviously, or may potentially, threaten the person or property of others. Thus, we see that theft will obviously be illegal (being an obvious threat to the property of others). So would many drugs which affect the ability to make clear judgments (being a potential threat to the person or property of others). The punishments for these must be greater than the damage resulting from the crime. Thus, if one maliciously kills another, he must be maliciously killed (there being no punishment greater than painful death). If one steals from another his punishment must at least pay for the damage done to the property of the victim. Thus we see that punishments must be greater than the damage to the victim caused by the crime when possible. Else, the punishment must be equal, but never less. It is only through this method of punishment can the people be protected correctly from crime. Thus we see that a justice system with a moderate number of crimes and a high degree of punishment is the best justice system. Chapter 22 Of Military Power We see, like the other policies that there are two extremes, both of which must be examined, and then a choice made as to what the best is. The most powerful Military is the first type. This military is bent on conquest of other nations in addition to the protection of the society. However, we see that there is a large problem in this form of military. The conquest of other societies would lead to the entering of several unwilling members into our society. These people would always pose a threat to our government, and thus our society. Thus, we see that this military policy would not protect the citizens of the society, and thus not fulfill a purpose of government. The least powerful Military (also known as a militia) is the second type. This military is essentially non-existent. Only called when the society is attacked, this militia is composed of volunteer citizens. This obviously causes problems. Often, when this militia, which is poorly trained, is called, it will be too weak to stop the attack. Also, they will often be too late to protect their society. This now shows that this militia also violates a purpose of government. Thus we see that a moderately powerful military is the best. This military should be constantly in training and assembled in case of attack. Also, their primary concern must be defense, though they must be ready to attack if a neighboring nation shows that it is a significant threat, and that is they were to be attacked by this adversary they would probably lose. Thus we see which kind of military is best: one which is primarily defensive. Chapter 23 How many will hold the Ruling Power? There are three possibilities to this question. First, a single man, second, a small portion of the society, or third, the entire society. Each of these must be examined to determine which is best. First, however, I must explain what is meant by the ruling power. This may be explained by an example. It is obvious that if a mans mind decides to do something and his body complies that it is that mind who has the ruling power. So it is if a man decides to allow someone else to make a decision for him. The original decision being made by the first man, he is the Ruling Power. Thus it is if a man allows another to make several decisions for him, or even if a man allow another to make all decisions for him. So it is that if a group of men choose one to make decisions for them, it is the group who holds the ruling power. This will be later explained in the next chapter. This first type of ruling power is that which is known by many as monarchy or dictatorship. We see that this only exists if a man makes himself head of the society (otherwise the people who made him leader hold the ruling power, and the ruling power is not in a single man). It is obvious that this type of ruling power is rarely the original in a society. Seeing as a society is formed from the cooperation of the citizens, it is unlikely that on man will be able to take all the powers of the government without some support from the rest of the society. Thus, we see that monarchies and dictatorships only come into existence with the second ruler. Also, the leader that was chosen by the people must choose that second ruler. Thus a single man has the ruling power by being the only person to choose who will make decisions. The difference between monarchy and dictatorship is this, in monarchy the ruler chooses a son or daughter to be the next ruler, but in a dictatorship the ruler chooses one who is not a son or daughter. This form of government must be administered carefully by the ruler, as when the people realize that they are no longer the ruling power, they will revolt. Thus, the ruler must convince the people that by selecting their predecessors to represent them they accepted his choice of successors. This is obviously not true. For one cannot assume that he who represents my representative represents me. To clarify, a photograph of all the people who directly choose a representative may be considered to be the people who that representative represents. In the photograph of the people who chose the original representative would be the entire society. However, the photograph of the one who directly chooses the successor of the representative may only be that of the representative, and not of his people. Thus, the successor is only the representative of one man and the ruling power is thus vested in one man. We now see a major problem in this form of government. Once the people realize that they are not the ones being represented, they will revolt. This is an obvious indicator of a bad government. Also, we see that the ruler will often produce policies for his own personal gain rather than for society. This will cause great problems, revolts, and if neither, will at least not allow for the government to fulfill their purposes. The second type of ruling power is that vested in a few people, also known as aristocracy or oligarchy. We see that this is not the original composition of government either, for all have an equal importance in our society for all equally provide for the purposes of society. Thus we see that any small group cannot be representative of the whole, unless representing them which obviously places the ruling power in the hands of the whole society. Let us now examine how this may come about. There is one most likely way. There may be a group of people who is elected to be representatives who then pass their positions down as would a monarch or dictator. Once again we see that this ruling power must be administered like a monarchy or dictatorship. The public must be convinced that the rulers, being chosen by their representatives, were chosen by them. The same logic applies as in the case of monarchy and dictatorship. Eventually, the people will realize that they are not being represented and will revolt, thus we see that this is also a bad government. Also, if this does not happen, we see that the aristocracy which already exists here will develop into an oligarchy, as the rulers will seek to provide for their own wealth and will become rich at the expense of the people and the purposes of government will not be served. The final type of ruling power is that by the whole society. This is known as democracy. We see that this is the original composition of government in our society, as all cooperate equally in the bringing about of society. Also, we see that this government does not require as great care in its administration for the government actually does represent the people. Thus the people are less likely to revolt. Also, since all the rulers will try to draw wealth to themselves we see that the purposes of society will be fulfilled. For democracies are ruled by the entire society and if the entire society draws wealth then the entire society benefits. Thus we see that democracy is the best form of ruling power. Chapter 24 Will rulers be represented? There are three possibilities. First, that the rulers will not be represented, second, that the rulers will be represented by representatives for life, and third, that the rulers will be represented by temporary representatives. Each of these will be examined to find the best. The first possibility will not work. We see that if all are concerned with all actions of government they will not be able to carry out their societal obligations very well. For if a farmer must spend much time at assemblies making government decisions, he will not be able to farm as well, and the needs of the citizens will not be met. So it will be with all professions. The second possibility, though possible, is inferior to the third. The second possibility requires representatives to remain as representatives for life. We see several flaws in this. First, the man who I selected 10 years ago to represent me may no longer represent me. People change. My views may have changed since I elected my representative, and if not, his may have. Thus, our representatives would be outdated. Also, this form of representation would have a greater tendency to become an aristocracy. These two risks are much greater in this than in the other alternative. The last possibility is by far the best. In this possibility, the representatives would be recent, and therefore would allow the representation to be accurate. Also, the changes which occur in the representatives will help prevent aristocracy. Thus, we see that this is the best possibility. We see that a temporary representative government is the best choice. Chapter 25 What is the best government? We see that a representative democracy with temporary representatives that supports a regulated capitalist economy, a defensive military, and a moderate number of crimes with severe punishments is the best government. Part V |
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