Governed by consent - is it true?

Question

We're allegedly governed and policed by consent, yet I can't see how that is in anyway true.

According to the theory of tacit consent, we consent to be ruled by living in the country.

But surely there are big flaws to this assertion. It isn't like we can easily go somewhere else that isn't governed, shy of building a large raft and floating out to see somewhere (assuming the sea isn't entirely governed). 

I'm OK with government not being consensual, but why even claim that government is consensual when it isn't?

John J. S · Answer

This argument dates back to 245 BC- roughly 2056 years.  Plato says that Socrates says that you were born here, you participated in the elections, you obeyed the laws, you were educated here, benefited from the economic opportunities, got married, enjoyed the protection of the laws.

You consent by participation in elections.  elections give 'legitimacy" to the government and underline the concept of consent.  Also, immigration or expatriation is always an option.

Jim · Answer

It is not personal, and you do not have a legal right to have a government just like you want, but a majority of citizens have consented to a government to represent them. If a majority of Americans feel like you, you would then have a natural right to change the government by vote or rebellion.

Governed by consent - is it true?

Related Questions

Trending Questions