The modern state claims supreme authority over the lives of all its citizens. Drawing together political philosophy, jurisprudence, and public choice theory, this book forces the reader to reconsider some basic assumptions about the authority of the state.

Various popular and influential theories - conventionalism, contractarianism, and communitarianism - are assessed by the author and found to fail. Leslie Green argues that only the consent of the governed can justify the state's claims to authority. While he denies that there is a general obligation to obey the law, he nonetheless rejects philosophical anarchism and defends civility - the willingness to tolerate some imperfection in institutions - as a political virtue.

Leslie Green's profile page

Leslie Green is an Associate Professor of Philosophy, Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, Toronto.

'this admirable reflection achieves fresh perspectives on much-discussed issues' Richard E. Flathman, The Johns Hopkins University, Canadian Philosophical Reviews Oct-Nov '89)

'The discussions of communitarianism and the possibility of political obligation are superb; and Green's account of current "contractarianism" is as good as any I know.' Canadian Journal of Political Science

'Recommended for all students, undergraduate and graduate level.' Choice

'All readers should gain something from this book ... the author's identification of problems besetting the category of political obligation is always refreshing and sensible.' Political Studies

'this admirable reflection achieves fresh perspectives on much-discussed issues and effects a distinctive amalgamation among well-rehearsed theories of authority. Green's incisive critiques of received formulations and bold if occasionally adventuresome proposals enliven a slightly tired set of topics.' Canadian Philosophical Review, Vol.9, No.10 and 11, Oct/Nov '89