No Treason · Chapter
VI explained
This chapter argues that the essential characteristic of a free government is its reliance on voluntary support, and that any government compelling support against will is tyrannical, regardless of other merits.
What happens
This chapter argues that the essential characteristic of a free government is its reliance on voluntary support, and that any government compelling support against will is tyrannical, regardless of other merits.
Themes in this chapter
Consent and Voluntary Government
The chapter defines free government solely by its dependence on voluntary support, contrasting it with coercion.
Characters to notice
- a man
Represents the individual whose voluntary support defines a free government.
Key passages
“One essential of a free government is that it rest wholly on voluntary support.”
A free government must be entirely based on people's willing participation.
Establishes the core criterion for freedom in governance.
“And one certain proof that a government is not free, is that it coerces more or less persons to support it, against their will.”
If a government forces anyone to support it against their wishes, it is clearly not free.
Identifies coercion as the definitive sign of unfreedom.