The assertion that a governing body becomes superfluous in a society composed solely of virtuous individuals highlights a fundamental principle of political philosophy. It posits that the very need for a state, with its inherent powers of coercion and regulation, arises from the imperfect nature of humankind. For instance, laws against theft are necessary because individuals are susceptible to greed and may choose to violate the property rights of others. If every person consistently acted with perfect moral rectitude, such laws, and the mechanisms to enforce them, would be rendered obsolete.
This concept underscores the inherent tension between individual liberty and the necessity of social order. The structure of a government, with its checks and balances, is designed to mitigate the risks associated with human fallibility, preventing any single entity from accumulating excessive power and potentially abusing it. Furthermore, its historical relevance is profound, influencing the development of constitutionalism and the separation of powers as safeguards against tyranny. These principles emphasize that the limitations placed on government authority are a direct consequence of the acknowledgment that those who govern are also susceptible to the same flaws as the governed.
