The conclusion, therefore, is, that any government, that can, for a day, enforce its own laws, without appealing to the people, (or to a tribunal fairly representing the people,) for their consent, is, in theory, an absolute government, irresponsible to the people, and can perpetuate its power at pleasure.
Spooner concludes that any government that can enforce laws without public consent is absolute and irresponsible.
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Any restriction upon the exercise of this right is a restriction upon his rightful power of providing for, and accomplishing, his own well-being.
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?
The will, or the pretended will, of the majority, is the last lurking place of tyranny at the present day.
What else than ignorance of the law is it that excuses persons under the years of discretion, and men of imbecile minds?