The Tenth Principle: The God-Given Right to Govern Vested in the Sovereign Authority of the Whole People
In W. Cleon Skousen’s influential book, “The 5000 Year Leap,” he outlines 28 principles that he posits were foundational to the vision of America’s Founding Fathers. Among these, the tenth principle stands out as a profound statement on the nature of government and sovereignty: “The God-given right to govern is vested in the sovereign authority of the whole people.” This principle encapsulates the idea that legitimate governance derives its authority not from a monarch, an elite class, or any singular individual, but from the collective will and consent of the populace.
Historical Context and Philosophical Roots
The roots of this principle are deeply embedded in the Enlightenment’s political philosophy, notably influenced by thinkers like John Locke, whose ideas on government by consent were pivotal. Locke’s assertion that government should exist to protect natural rights, including life, liberty, and property, finds an echo in the American context. Skousen points out that the Founders believed these rights are endowed by the Creator, hence, the right to govern is also divinely ordained but exercised through the collective consent of the governed. This philosophy was a radical departure from the divine right of kings, where power was seen as an inheritance from God to monarchs alone.
Skousen argues that this principle was a cornerstone in the design of the American governmental system, ensuring that the power of governance remains with the people. This is evidenced in the Declaration of Independence, where it states, “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” This document, as Skousen interprets, clearly aligns with the notion that the ultimate authority to govern lies with the collective will of the citizens.
Implementation in American Governance
This principle manifests in the American system through various mechanisms:
- Elections: The democratic process where citizens elect their representatives, affirming that governance is in the hands of the people.
- Constitution: The U.S. Constitution, with its preamble beginning with “We the People,” symbolizes the collective sovereignty of the nation’s citizens over their government’s structure and function.
- Republicanism: The U.S. operates as a republic where officials are elected to represent the will of the people, not to rule over them unilaterally.
Skousen emphasizes that this principle not only democratizes power but also instills a responsibility in the populace to engage actively in governance, ensuring it remains aligned with the interests and rights of the collective.
Modern Implications
Understanding this principle today is crucial for several reasons:
- Civic Engagement: It underlines the importance of voter participation, civic education, and public discourse in maintaining a government that truly reflects the people’s will.
- Checks and Balances: It supports the constitutional structure where no single branch of government can dominate, ensuring that the balance of power mirrors the collective authority of the citizens.
- Against Tyranny: It serves as a safeguard against any form of tyranny by asserting that any government not reflecting the people’s consent could be altered or abolished, as suggested in the Declaration of Independence.
Challenges and Critiques
While this principle is celebrated, it also faces modern critiques:
- Voter Apathy: If the people are sovereign, then low voter turnout could be seen as a failure in exercising this sovereignty.
- Representation Disparity: There’s ongoing debate about whether all segments of “the whole people” are equally represented in governance due to socio-economic, racial, or geographic disparities.
- Populism vs. Democracy: The balance between the will of the majority and protecting minority rights is a constant challenge, reflecting the tension between pure democracy and the republic’s structure.
Conclusion
Skousen’s articulation of this principle in “The 5000 Year Leap” serves as a reminder of the philosophical underpinnings of American democracy. It’s not just about having the right to govern; it’s about recognizing that this right comes with the responsibility to ensure governance reflects the collective will and protects individual rights. As society evolves, so too must our understanding and application of this principle, ensuring that the “sovereign authority of the whole people” remains more than a historical ideal but a living, breathing reality in the American polity.
References:
- Skousen, W. Cleon. “The 5000 Year Leap: A Miracle That Changed The World.” National Center for Constitutional Studies, 1981.