The commonwealth is a unified entity under the sovereign's rule from "summary" of Hobbes: Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes
In a commonwealth, the multitude is united in one person, or at least in one assembly of one person, called a sovereign. This sovereign has the authority to represent them all and act as their representative in every particular matter concerning the peace and security of the people. The sovereign's power comes from the consent of every individual in the commonwealth. Once this consent is given, the sovereign becomes the embodiment of the entire commonwealth, with the authority to act on their behalf.
The unity of the commonwealth is crucial for its functioning and survival. Without this unity, the commonwealth would descend into chaos and conflict, with each individual pursuing their own interests at the expense of others. By coming together under the sovereign's rule, the people ensure their mutual protection and security. The sovereign's power is absolute and indivisible, as any division would weaken the commonwealth and make it vulnerable to internal strife and external threats.
The sovereign's rule is based on the social contract between the people and the sovereign. This contract is not a physical document but a tacit agreement among the members of the commonwealth to submit themselves to the sovereign's authority in exchange for protection and security. The sovereign, in turn, is obligated to uphold the common good and ensure the welfare of the people. This reciprocal relationship forms the foundation of the commonwealth and binds its members together in a unified entity.
Under the sovereign's rule, the commonwealth becomes a single body with the sovereign as its head. Just as the head directs the actions of the body, so the sovereign governs and guides the commonwealth towards its common goals and objectives. The sovereign's authority is not arbitrary but is defined by the laws and customs of the commonwealth, which serve as a check on the sovereign's power and ensure that it is exercised for the benefit of all. Through this arrangement, the commonwealth is able to maintain its unity and coherence, despite the diversity of its members and interests.
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