Discourses Concerning Government

by Algernon Sidney, Thomas G. West (Editor)

Written in response to Sir Robert Filmer’s Patriarcha (1680), the Discourses Concerning Government by Algernon Sidney (1623–1683) has been treasured for more than three centuries as a classic defense of republicanism and popular government. Thomas G. West is Paul and Dawn Potter Professor of Politics, Hillsdale College.

Genres: Philosophy, Politics, History

645 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1680

About the author

Algernon Sidney or Sydney (14 or 15 January 1623 – 7 December 1683) was an English politician and member of the Long Parliament. A republican political theorist, colonel, and commissioner of the trial of King Charles I of England, he opposed the king's execution. Sidney was later charged with plotting against Charles II, in part based on his work, Discourses Concerning Government, used by the prosecution as a witness at his trial. He was executed for treason. After his death, Sidney was revered as a "Whig patriot–hero and martyr".

The works of Algernon Sidney, along with those of contemporary John Locke, are considered a cornerstone of western thought. Sidney's most famous work, Discourses on Government, cost him his head. However, the ideas it put forth would survive and ultimately culminate in the founding of the United States. Algernon Sidney directly opposed the Divine Right of Kings political theory by suggesting ideas such as limited government, voluntary consent of the people and the right of citizens to alter or abolish a corrupt government. His Discourses on Government have been called "the textbook of the American revolution."

Reviews

[Kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forget where I heard it, but it's been said that this was THE textbook of the American revolution because every major American political idea can be found here. I highly recommend this edition (Liberty Fund) because the main point of each chapter is summarize so you don't have to read through but I still recommend reading it through. It can be dry sometimes because Sydney is refuting the arguments of another book, which is what this is, a book-length rebuttal of absolute rule and a defense of rule of law and individual liberty. Jefferson said every American should read it at least once, so get reading!

[Brandon Loveland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like John Locke's two treatises, this work is an answer to Filmers "Patriarcha" but is a much more in-depth, studious, and even radical effort. After all, Charles II had him executed for treason for a few pages of it. For a fuller, deeper understanding of the minds of whigs and early American political thinkers, and the foundations of the US Constitution itself, and the English civil war, this book is essential reading.

[Blonde · Rating 1 out of 5]

Repetitive and actually mentally draining to read. He goes on far to many tangents to give his once regarded option any merit. Could be could if summarized.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE OF THE BOOKS THAT MOST INFLUENCED THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Algernon Sydney (1623-1683) was an English politician, republican political theorist, colonel, and opponent of King Charles II of England, who became involved in a plot against the King and was executed for treason. Thomas Jefferson regarded John Locke and Sidney as the two leading sources for the American understanding of the principles of political liberty and the rights of humanity. Amazingly, however, this book has only seldom been reprinted, until recently. Sidney wrote the book in response to Sir Robert Filmer's book, 'Patriarcha and Other Writings', which defended the "divine right of kings." Sidney's book was first published posthumously in 1698.

He observes that "there is no such thing in nature as a slave" (Pg. 17), and that "No right can come by conquest." (Pg. 32) All just magisterial power is "from the People." (Pg. 69) I

In the context of a discussion of defense in time of war, he makes his most famous statement (best known through Benjamin Franklin's quotation of it in Poor Richard's Almanac), "God helps those who help themselves." (Pg. 210)

He strongly supports the right of men to dissolve human societies, and "justly defend themselves against injustice by their own natural right, when the ways prescribed by public authority cannot be taken." (Pg. 340) Governments are established "for the good of the governed" (Pg. 355), and laws are not made by kings, "because Nations will be governed by Rule, and not Authority." (Pg. 392) It is not the king that makes the law, "but the law that makes the king." (Pg. 393)

"Whatsover therefore proceeds not from the consent of the people, must be de facto only, that is, void of all right." (Pg. 507) The general revolt of a nation cannot be called a "rebellion," and "rebellion is not always evil." (Pg. 519)

Sidney's book deserves to be much more widely known than is currently the case; this book will be of great interest both to students of American history, and of freedom in general.

[Don Mashak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is essentially reading for those wishing to gain incite into the minds, thoughts and the vision America's Founding Father's had for her. Though it can be tough to follow the author through some of his tangential arguments, it nevertheless was valued by the like of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.

The thoughts in it were so threatening to the King of England and the Governance Doctrine of the Divine Right of Kings that the author was executed for writing it.

[Marissa]

Considered by Jefferson to be the best fundamental text on principles of govt.