The foundations of political authority are analyzed through the lens of philosophers like Hobbes and Locke, whose ideas influenced the U.S. founders. They believed that political authority requires the governed's consent and majority rule, paired with protections against majority tyranny. The article emphasizes that voting is vital for legitimate consent. Disenfranchisement undermines governmental legitimacy, though the extent is hard to quantify. The author acknowledges the psychological attraction to these ideas while affirming their philosophical validity, highlighting the importance of fair voting practices and safeguards against oppression by the majority.
Since the legitimacy of the government depends on the consent of the governed, it is essential that the governed can provide or withhold consent.
The founders of the United States adopted a philosophy shaped by John Locke: legitimate political authority requires the consent of the governed and the majority should rule.
I cannot specify the specific number of disenfranchised voters that would destroy the legitimacy of a state, but to require this would be to fall victim to the line drawing fallacy.
While these ideas appeal to me psychologically because of my upbringing, they also stand up well to philosophical scrutiny.
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