DB1 – Introduction to State and Local Government
Forum
For this Discussion, interact in a free-flowing discussion on the state of nature and the
impact it had on the design of the U.S. Constitution. In doing so, conclude with a discussion of
how these state of nature principles from the Constitution impacted the role and authority of state
and local government. Remember the principle of federalism, which was so important to the
founders, was inherent to ratifying a constitution that protected the sovereignty of the individual
states. These states were sovereign political entities before the Revolutionary War, and therefore
sought to maintain some or most of their sovereignty even as they sought the benefits of political
union. Remember to also provide thoughts on the state of perfect freedom and equality. Describe
what you believe to be the difference between the state of liberty and the state of license, and
address the preservation component of each individual, arbitrary power, and executive power.
After this summation and interpretation, identify how you think these concepts impacted the U.S.
Constitution and if, at all, these concepts still impact citizens today.
State of nature and impact on constitution
What would perfect freedom and equality look like
State of Liberty and State of License
Preservation of each individual, arbitrary power and executive power
How impact US constitution and how concepts impacted citizens today
Biblical Authority for Federalism
In regard to political theory, the state of nature is “the real or hypothetical condition of
human beings before or without political association” (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2021). The U.S.
Constitution's design was greatly influenced by the state of nature. Locke believes, “To
understand political power right, and derive it from its original, we must consider, what state all
men are naturally in, and that is a state of perfect freedom to order their actions, and dispose of
their possessions and persons, as they think fit, within the bounds of the law of nature, without
asking leave or depending on the will of any other man” (Locke 1994) Although there are many
different ideas that address the condition of nature, it is evident that the Founding Fathers took
into account each theory when drafting the Constitution. They were aware that the structure,
politics, economics, and logistical operations of the colonies required both broad and detailed
guidelines. The text states, “The legislative authority, by which they are in force over the subjects
of that commonwealth, hath no power over him. Those who have the supreme power of making
laws in England, France or Holland, are to an Indian, but like the rest of the world, men without
authority: and therefore, if by the law of nature every man hath not a power to punish offences
against it, as he soberly judges the case to require, I see not how the magistrates of any
community can punish an alien of another country; since, in reference to him, they can have no
more power than what every man naturally may have over another” (Locke,1994). The
authoritative situation was taken into account. By doing so, it would be acknowledged that the
institution in charge would maintain law and order and safeguard the nation from threats. The
Founding Fathers, however, sought to restrict the scope of the government.
The concepts of federalism and anti-federalism are at play in this situation. The goals of
federalists were a more powerful federal government and weakened state governments. On the
other hand, a nti-federalists favored a more powerful state government and a less powerful
federal government. In order to construct a Constitution that reduced government power while
maintaining sufficient power for it to function properly, the Founding Fathers had to
compromise. All in all , authority was distributed and the states gained sovereignty. These
federalist and anti-federalist state of nature ideas are still present in our current government.
They continue to dominate discussions about politics between political parties. According to
John Locke, the state of nature may be attained through equality and that violating people's rights
is not permitted in the state of liberty or freedom. (Locke, 1994).
References
Locke, J. (1994). Second treatise of government. Generic NL Freebook Publisher.
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