Consent of the governed

Definition

Consent of the governed refers to the idea that a government's legitimacy and moral right to use state power is justified and legitimate only when it is derived from the consent of its people. This principle connects directly to social contract theory, which emphasizes the agreement between individuals and their governing body, highlighting the importance of popular sovereignty and individual rights in political philosophy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hobbes believed that without consent, humans would revert to a state of nature, characterized by chaos and violence, necessitating a strong central authority.
2. Locke argued that consent must be explicit, and if a government fails to protect individual rights, citizens have the right to revolt.
3. Rousseau emphasized that true freedom comes from participating in the collective will, asserting that sovereignty rests with the people.
4. Consent can be expressed through direct participation in governance or via representatives chosen by the populace.
5. The concept has greatly influenced modern democracies, asserting that governments must be accountable to the people they govern.

Review Questions

• How do the views of Hobbes and Locke on consent of the governed differ?
  • Hobbes viewed consent as a means to escape the chaos of the state of nature, advocating for an absolute sovereign to maintain order. In contrast, Locke emphasized that consent must be explicit and conditional; if a government fails to uphold individual rights, citizens have the right to withdraw their consent and revolt. This fundamental difference shapes their respective theories on the role and limits of governmental authority.
• In what ways does Rousseau's concept of the general will relate to the idea of consent of the governed?
  • Rousseau's concept of the general will is closely tied to consent of the governed as he argues that legitimate political authority arises from collective agreement among free individuals. The general will reflects the common interests of all citizens rather than individual preferences, suggesting that true sovereignty lies in actively participating in governance. Thus, when individuals consent to be governed, they are essentially agreeing to abide by decisions made for the common good.
• Evaluate the significance of consent of the governed in shaping modern democratic principles and practices.
  • The principle of consent of the governed is foundational for modern democracies, as it asserts that governments derive their authority from the will of the people. This notion has led to democratic practices such as free elections, representation, and accountability mechanisms. The requirement for government legitimacy through popular consent encourages active civic participation and helps protect individual rights, making it a crucial element in discussions about political authority and governance today.

Related terms

Social Contract:

A theoretical agreement in which individuals collectively agree to form a government, surrendering some freedoms for the protection of their remaining rights.

Popular Sovereignty: The doctrine that the authority of a state and its government are created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.

Legitimacy: The right and acceptance of an authority, usually a governing law or regime, which is recognized by the governed as appropriate and just.