AB101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Mass Society, Class Conflict, Herd Behavior
Document Summary
Not all human authority is despotic in all favour of parliamentary legislative control. Emphasis on the states role as a protector. Political power is given to the government when men decide to unite it is the right to make laws with the penalty of death (and lesser penalties) to regulate and preserve property. King and ruler do not have absolute powers since government is created by men, it is also limited by men. If the gov(cid:495)t oversteps, they can be dissolved. Only a majority of representatives can decide to tax. The more taxes you pay, the more representation given. Distinguishes legislative and executive powers (and federative foreign policy) Majority rule becomes the default option for all legislative decision-making and is based on assumption that society is composed of individuals who are similar in their overriding needs and desires (religion does not play a role)
