If a government can forbid the free exercise of a single one of man's natural rights, it may, for the same reason, forbid the exercise of any and all of them; and thus establish, practically and absolutely, Marshall's principle, that the government has all power, and the people no rights.
Spooner argues that if a government can restrict one natural right, it can restrict all, leading to total governmental power.
Share
More from Lysander Spooner
All other laws, it is optional with each man to obey, or not, as he may choose.
Since Magna Carta, we have evidence showing quite conclusively that all freemen, above the age of twenty-one years, were eligible as jurors.
Practically speaking, no government knows any limits to its power, except the endurance of the people.
The will, or the pretended will, of the majority, is the last lurking place of tyranny at the present day.