The Pete Quiñones Show Pete Reads John C. Calhoun's 'Disquisition on Government' - Complete
Oct 15, 2025
Dive into a deep exploration of John C. Calhoun's thoughts on government! Discover why Calhoun believes self-interest necessitates governance to avoid conflict. Explore the dangers of power abuse and argue against relying on external limits to prevent tyranny. Calhoun insists that a well-informed electorate is crucial for accountability. His idea of a concurrent majority introduces a unique system to safeguard liberty and ensure diverse interests are heard. This thought-provoking discussion challenges conventional views on democracy and power dynamics!
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Self-Interest Makes Government Necessary
- John C. Calhoun argues humans are social but prioritize direct self-interest over sympathy, making government necessary.
- That stronger individual affection explains both society's need for government and government's tendency to oppress.
Power Requires Restraints
- Calhoun says powers needed to preserve order must be given to humans who themselves are self-interested and thus risk abusing power.
- That contradiction is why a constitution (restraining structure) is essential to prevent rulers' aggrandizement.
Suffrage Is Necessary But Not Enough
- Calhoun defines constitutional government as giving the ruled means to resist rulers, primarily via suffrage.
- He calls suffrage essential but not sufficient without other institutional protections.
