Unit 2 Reflection

Nkosi Jones 

Mr. Gabriel

Unit 2 Reflection                                                                                                                              November 27, 2011

            Chosen Prompt: Synthesis Essay-What is the individual’s duty to his government? What is the government’s duty to the individual? In an essay that synthesizes and uses for support at least 3 of the readings from this unit, discuss the obligations of individuals within a society. Remember to attribute both direct and indirect quotes. Refer to the sources by authors’ last names or by titles. Avoid mere paraphrase or summary.

The role of government and citizens in society has always been a widely discussed topic. Thousands of prominent, forward-thinking rhetors, politicians, visionaries, and philosophers throughout history have shared their ideas on the matter with the general public. Often times, it is these ideas that prompt men to both tear down their existing government and erect a new government, one that corresponds with these changing ideas; for men have always strived to create the perfect form of government, a government that provides a sense of security, fairness/equity, and general well-being for all of its citizens. However, as time moves forward, it is my opinion that humankind has become increasingly more aware of the roles that both citizens and government must play in order to create this perfect governing system. The most prevalent, contemporary idea on the matter has been dubbed the ‘social contract theory’: the idea that, to be successful, government has to be a two-way street in that all citizens, in return for the services the government provides, must abide by the law as long as it corresponds to the will of the majority.

Philosophers Locke, Rousseau, Hobbes, and the makers of the Iroquois Confederation have all advocated for the belief in this theory at one point or another. In addition, all seem to be in agreement with the idea that all men are created equal and “no one can be put out of this estate and subjected to the political power of another, without his own consent” (Locke). However, assuming the premise that all are created equal, one man lacks the power to assert his will if it should conflict with that of another. It is for these reasons that people who possess common interests and goals unite, to assume “new powers” with which they can assert their will (Rousseau). But these new powers prove to be successful only when the support of the masses is behind it, for without the will of the majority of the people who made this unification possible, these powers are significantly reduced. For these reasons, a government must act in accordance with the majority and rulers must rule selflessly. If a government or ruler should fail in this regard, it is the right of the majority to overthrow both the ruler and the government in order to construct new ones. (Iroquois Confederation/Locke).

Although the assertion of the will of the majority is a major role that governments must assume, it is by no means the only task that a government has. Governments must also insure order and promote the general well-being of its citizens (Machiavelli). Under the same premise that men are born free, it is impossible to effectively force all citizens to obey the laws, which were constructed to achieve a sense of fairness/equity, thus achieving order. Therefore,  “Whosoever…out of state of nature unite into a community, must…give up all the power, necessary to the ends…for [uniting]” (Locke). To further ensure the fairness and equity of the unification they established, citizens must abide by all laws, should the law be looked favorably upon by the majority. Though the citizen might be in the minority, in that he believes the law is unjust, if they should want to continue to reap the benefits of that unification, he/she must abide by the law anyhow. If even a couple refuse to obey the law, order and equity is then put into jeopardy making the government ineffective. For these reasons, it is imperative that regardless of their viewpoint on that specific item, all citizens obey the law.

Logically, it is both the responsibility of the rulers/government and the governed individuals to ensure the success of the government. The social contract theory, shaped by such influential thinkers as Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, seems to be the most highly regarded and accurate theory about the roles of government and the governed. However, as history suggests, the forward-thinkers of tomorrow may in fact construct an even better principle upon which governments should be built.