The Pete Quiñones Show Pete Reads John C. Calhoun's 'Disquisition on Government' - Complete
Dec 5, 2025
Delve into the intriguing insights from John C. Calhoun's reflections on government. Explore the tension between self-interest and social sympathy that necessitates governance. Discover how constitutions serve as safeguards against the abuse of power and why voting alone can't prevent tyranny. Learn about Calhoun's concept of the concurrent majority, which aims to protect minority interests by fostering mutual vetos. Pete also emphasizes the historical context and practical applications of these ideas in maintaining liberty.
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Why Government Is Necessarily Required
- John C. Calhoun argues government is necessary because humans feel their own interests more intensely than others'.
- That stronger individual impulse creates inevitable conflict which government must restrain to preserve society.
Constitution Vs. Government Distinction
- Calhoun warns constitutions must limit government because governing power tends to abuse itself.
- He distinguishes government as divinely ordained and constitution as mankind's contrivance to restrain it.
Guard Suffrage With Enforceable Checks
- Ensure the ruled can resist rulers by preserving the right of suffrage and holding rulers responsible.
- Use elections to make rulers agents, not sovereigns, and pair suffrage with mechanisms that protect minorities.
