PHL271H1 Midterm: PHL271 Study Notes test 2.docx
Document Summary
Civil/social liberty the nature and limits of the power which can be legitimately exercised by society over the individual. Struggle between liberty and authority between subjects and governments throughout history. Done in 2 ways: by giving subjects rights the ruler could not overpower, and by constitutional checks by a body. Ancient government"s power was regarded as necessary but also as highly dangerous; as a weapon which they would attempt to use against their subjects, no less than against external enemies. Demand by subjects for elective and temporary rulers for complete security that government powers would not be abused to their disadvantage. It was then wanted that rulers be identified with subjects, that their interest and will be the interest and will of the nation. Self-government not the government of each by himself, but of each by all the rest. The will of the people means the will of the most numerous or most active part of the people.
