No Treason · Theme
Political Slavery
How No Treason develops Political Slavery.
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.
Where it surfaces
- 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.