The 21st Principle: Strong Local Self-Government as the Keystone to Preserving Human Freedom
In “The 5000 Year Leap” by W. Cleon Skousen, the 21st principle emphasizes the critical role of strong local self-government in safeguarding human freedom. This principle posits that a robust system of local governance is essential for maintaining the democratic and republican values upon which the United States was founded.
Understanding Local Self-Government
Local self-government refers to the administrative authority vested in municipalities, counties, and other local units, allowing them to manage their affairs without excessive interference from higher levels of government. Skousen argues that this decentralization of power is not merely administrative efficiency but a fundamental safeguard against tyranny. He cites historical examples and philosophical underpinnings from the Founding Fathers to underline his point.
Historical Context:
- The Founders were deeply influenced by the English tradition of local governance. The Magna Carta and subsequent English charters provided a framework where local communities had significant control over local affairs, which was seen as a bulwark against royal overreach. Skousen highlights this by noting the importance of local control in shaping America’s early governance structures.
Philosophical Underpinnings:
- Skousen explains that the Founding Fathers, such as James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, believed that government closest to the people would be the most responsive to their needs and values. In Federalist No. 51, Madison discusses the necessity of checks and balances, which can be seen in the layered governance from local to federal levels, ensuring no single entity has overwhelming power.
The Mechanism of Freedom Preservation
Limiting Centralization:
- By keeping government closer to home, individuals have more direct influence over the policies and laws that affect their daily lives. This proximity fosters accountability, as local officials are neighbors and community members who must face the electorate more frequently. Skousen uses this to argue that local governance makes the government “by the people, for the people,” in its most literal sense.
Encouraging Civic Engagement:
- Local governance encourages citizens to participate actively in civic duties, from voting to serving on local boards or committees, which educates and nurtures a vigilant and engaged citizenry. This principle aligns with Skousen’s broader argument that an educated and virtuous populace is necessary for the health of a republic.
Preventing Tyranny:
- The principle suggests that local control can act as a buffer against federal overreach. By maintaining local powers, there’s a natural system of checks against the growth of a centralized, potentially oppressive government. This concept is rooted in the idea of federalism, where powers are divided between national and state governments, further extended to local entities.
Modern Implications
In contemporary times, the application of this principle faces challenges with the expansion of federal powers and the homogenization of policy across states and local jurisdictions. However, Skousen’s work reminds us of the vitality of local governance in:
- Policy Experimentation: Local governments can serve as laboratories for democracy, experimenting with different approaches to governance and public policy, which can be adopted or discarded based on their success.
- Responsiveness: Local issues require local solutions, and a government that’s close to its constituents can respond more effectively to local needs and conditions.
Conclusion
Skousen’s 21st principle from “The 5000 Year Leap” underscores that the strength of American freedom lies in its grassroots governance. By empowering local communities, the nation not only preserves individual liberties but also cultivates a culture of responsibility, engagement, and innovation at the grassroots level. This principle serves as a reminder of the foundational intent of the U.S. system of government, urging a return to or maintenance of strong local governance as a means to protect and enhance human freedom.
References:
- Skousen, W. Cleon. “The 5000 Year Leap: A Miracle That Changed the World.” National Center for Constitutional Studies, 1981.