Property, like all natural rights, is
entitled by the natural law to protection, but not to govern.
Whether it shall be made a basis of political power or not is a
question of political prudence, to be determined by the supreme
political authority. It was the basis, and almost exclusive
basis, in the Middle Ages, under feudalism, and is so still in
most states. France and the United States are the principal
exceptions in Christendom. Property alone, or coupled with
birth, is made elsewhere in some form a basis of political
power, and where made so by the sovereign authority, it is
legitimate, but not wise nor desirable; for it takes from the
weak and gives to the strong. The rich have in their riches
advantages enough over the poor, without receiving from the state
any additional advantage. An aristocracy, in the sense of
families distinguished by birth, noble and patriotic services,
wealth, cultivation, refinement, taste, and manners, is desirable
in every nation, is a nation's ornament, and also its chief
support, but they need and should receive no political
recognition. They should form no privileged class in the state
or political society.
CHAPTER VII
CONSTITUTION OF GOVERNMENT.
The Constitution is twofold: the constitution of the state or
nation, and the constitution of the government. The constitution
of the government is, or is held to be, the work of the nation
itself; the constitution of the state, or the people of the
state, is, in its origin at least, providential, given by God
himself, operating through historical events or natural causes.
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