The Founders' Principles of Freedom - Part 7 (Strong, Local Self Government)

12/05/22 • 25 min

Welcome back! I begin by addressing the concept of majority rule. We might think unanimity is preferable, but in practice this leads to rule by the minority, and I explain why that is. I finish up by talking about the importance of keeping as much of the governing local as possible. This is the only way to maximize freedom and generate the best, most efficient outcomes. People know what's best for them and their local communities, not some distant federal government bureaucracy. We need to leave the federal government in charge of the few things it is best equipped to handle, and leave everything else to the states and local communities.

Previous Episode

The Founders' Principles of Freedom - Part 6 (Written Constitution & Limited Government)

In this episode I cover the importance of having a written constitution (and how such a thing was an American invention) as well as the importance of limiting the government through that written Constitution to prevent centralization of power.

Next Episode

The Founders' Principles of Freedom - Part 8 (Rule of Law, Education, and Peace Through Strength)

This week, we cover three important principles. The first is the rule of law. For so much of history, and throughout many countries today, the rule of the ruler is what reigns supreme, and that can make for turbulent societies and troubling transitions of power. Second, we explore the importance of education to maintaining freedom and we look at the educational level of early Americans. And finally, we talk about one of George Washington's favorite principles - peace through strength.