#6: Governed By the Consent of the Governed

#6: Governed By the Consent of the Governed

God, not man, is sovereign over the universe. Government exists for the good of the people, not the people for the government. A nation is most free when people establish the government and the government is accountable to the people.

Would you describe your country as economically free? Why or why not?

Would you describe your country as politically free? Why or why not?

Government exists for the good of the people, not for the good of the king, prime minister, or president.  The government of a free, just, and prosperous nation is instituted by the people in order to protect and secure their fundamental rights.  Such governments derive their authority by the consent of the governed, not from social status, privilege or wealth.  The use of government power for self enrichment of the leader and his family and friends betrays the fundamental purpose of government to serve the people. This abuse of power destroys nations.

Government by consent of the governed stands in contrast to: 1) the tyranny of the state or religious leaders, or 2) the anarchy and chaos that results from each person doing what is right in his own eyes. Free people are ultimately responsible for the form of government they have. When governments no longer serve their legitimate purposes, it is the right of the people to change or abolish it, and constitute a new government.

 A people who institute a civil and God honoring government that derives its authority from the consent of the governed, are the freest people of all.

Credit: Disciple Nations Alliance and Harvest Foundation