The Declaration of Independence says that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. 

Have you ever wondered why the people of a nation should have a say in their government?  After all, for most of history, they didn’t. 

C.S. Lewis said that he believed in the consent of the governed because he believed in the fall of man—that “[t]he real reason for democracy is [that] Mankind is so fallen that no man can be trusted with unchecked power over his fellows.”

The American Founders agreed, defending the constitutional system of checks and balances by observing that if men were angels, no government would be necessary, and if angels governed men, no checks on government would be necessary. 

But thinkers like Rousseau, and many of the leaders of the French Revolution, believed in the consent of the governed, for the opposite reason—because, in Lewis’ words, “they thought mankind so wise and good that every one deserved a share in the government….”  Their revolution turned out very differently from ours.

Don’t assume that everyone who believes in democracy agrees on its foundation.  You must always ask “why?” because the answer could make all the difference in the world.

Have a wonderful day.