No Treason · Question
How does No Treason develop the theme of Political Slavery?
Answer
No Treason by Lysander Spooner develops Political Slavery across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book equates being compelled to support a government one does not want with chattel slavery, arguing that political subjection denies self-ownership and is only a matter of degree from physical bondage.
The chapter equates compelled submission to government with slavery, arguing there is no difference in principle between political and chattel slavery.
Describes majority rule as a contest where one party becomes master and the other slave, with no final resolution.
The war is described as fought on one side for chattel slavery and on the other for political slavery, with neither side fighting for liberty.
Evidence in the book
- Introductory
The chapter equates compelled submission to government with slavery, arguing there is no difference in principle between political and chattel slavery.
- II
Describes majority rule as a contest where one party becomes master and the other slave, with no final resolution.
- II: The Constitution
The war is described as fought on one side for chattel slavery and on the other for political slavery, with neither side fighting for liberty.
- VI
The chapter equates absolute, irresponsible congressional power with ownership of the people as property, reducing them to slaves.
- XIX
The chapter argues that the war and subsequent government impose industrial and commercial slavery on all people, North and South.
