Three Origins of Government

From Rights of Man by Thomas Paine
Paine identifies three origins of government: superstition (priestcraft, government of priests), power (conquest, government of conquerors), and the common interest of society with the common rights of man (reason-based government).
Part Second, Chapter I 'Of Society and Civilisation'

The three sources of government: 'Superstition. Power. And the common interest of society and the common rights of man.' Only the third is legitimate.

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