Political Quotes

Lysander Spooner: This theory, then, necessarily supposes that this government, which is formed by the free consent of all, has no powers…

On the record
This theory, then, necessarily supposes that this government, which is formed by the free consent of all, has no powers except such as all the parties to it have individually agreed that it shall have: and especially that it has no power to pass any laws, except such as all the parties have agreed that it may pass.
Said by
Lysander Spooner

Editor's note · Context

Spooner argues that government powers must be limited to those agreed upon by all parties.

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When two men meet one upon the highway, or in the wilderness, have they a right to dispose of his life, liberty, or property at their pleasure, simply because they are the more numerous party?

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