The advice provided on this website is based on eternal laws and principles that constitute good national government, as well as the political, economic and social outlook according to Vedic astrological system.
Rulers, politicians, and anyone involved and caring about the government of the nation, its laws, economy and the well-being of its people should be educated in these principles in order to provide a basis for judging the actions of those in positions of power and influence.
Democracy in various guises is the form of government of many nations particularly in Europe and the Americas, whilst dictatorships, or rule by a privileged few, predominate in many countries elsewhere. According to Plato, these can be the weakest forms of government. The veracity of this statement can be seen in varying degrees within nations as many people are being exploited economically, politically, and religiously; poverty abounds in many parts of the world; and bribery and corruption are taking place at all levels of some states.
There are few countries in the world where people are free to express their views and move about safely; where equity and justice occur in every part of the realm; where people are largely happy, healthy, properly educated, and have the freedom to apply their talents for the common good.
The authors of this website have been surprised by the lack of published knowledge on this important subject. So the Principles set out have been obtained from Plato, Sir William Blackstone, the Bible and other books where the concept of the eternal Good is addressed.
We have rejected the common view that individual Rights, which have been enshrined in law throughout Europe and incorporated in the American Declaration of Independence, are of the highest importance. Rights are an expression of actions expected from other people. They exclude actions of duty and care that should be undertaken by every individual and those involved in the governance of the nation.
Duties come before Rights, and not the other way round. People can know and understand the duties they have to carry out; but they can only demand their rights from others, and these can be insatiable. The psychological impact of the difference between doing one’s duty, and demanding one’s rights is of fundamental importance. Therefore, the laws and principles of good government have been expressed in the form of duties by the government towards its people; and the corresponding duties of individuals to the nation.
Duties of Government towards its People
- Rulers of a nation are subject to the Laws of Nature and to God, and are never above either.
- The government is made legitimate by the consent of free and equal persons who form, sustain and renew their consent at regular intervals.
- All government actions shall take into account their effect upon future generations, and shall avoid where possible passing on any burdens.
- Laws and regulations shall be the minimum necessary for the maintenance of reasonable and peaceful conduct by its people.
- To secure the law, religion and liberties for its people for all times.
- To ensure that no man shall be taken or imprisoned but by the lawful judgement of his equals, or by the laws of the country.
- To ensure that every person has legal and uninterrupted enjoyment of his life, his body, his health and his reputation; and right of redress of injuries.
- To ensure that all persons have the free use, enjoyment and disposal of all of their legal acquisitions, including property, without any control or diminution, save only by the equitable laws of the country.
- To punish those who disobey the nation’s laws.
- To ensure that everyone has access to land in order to live and work.
Management of the Economy
- To collect the economic rent (see footnote) as the primary form of taxation, and thereby return to the nation that part of the wealth directly created by society.
- To look after and hold land where no-one is willing to pay the economic rent until someone comes forward to assume that responsibility.
- To ensure that taxation does not bear on industry so as to reduce production, or weaken people’s capacity to be independent of state relief.
- To ensure that people are not allowed to avoid paying their taxes because of special allowances, privileges, lax methods of collection, and bribery of officials.
- To conduct its financial affairs so that expenditure by government does not exceed revenue in the form of economic rent.
- To regulate commercial and financial markets to prevent (a) monopolies being created; (b) speculation by traders/dealers in assets, deposits etc. not wholly owned by the financial institution; and (c) fraud being perpetrated.
Note: “Economic Rent” as defined by David Riccardo and Henry George.
- To look after the infirm and support the aged where they cannot look after themselves or do not have the support of close relations.
- To ensure the realm has sufficient means of defence suitable for dealing with an external aggressor.
- To ensure that excellent systems and provision of education are supported from the primary school ages up to post graduate level, and that the necessary skills are available for the maintenance and development of society.
- To uphold traditions that support the institutions of government, religious organisations, law, education, and rediscover and maintain their connection to spiritual laws, practice and knowledge.
- To protect the institutions by which the future happiness of society is ensured viz. liberty of speech and movement, religious observance, marriage-based family, people’s access to work for themselves or for others for as long as they are able.
- To respect the experience of past leaders and contributors to society by making it possible to hear their guidance and wisdom on important issues facing the nation via a suitable parliamentary institution.
- To participate in maintaining a balance of powers between the three major estates of the nation viz. the government, religion and law.
- In democracies, to ensure national, regional, state, and local elections are conducted in a free, open and equitable manner without interference, vote rigging and other means of influencing the results.
- National written constitutions shall adhere to the principles contained in this document as far as is practical; shall be fair to all peaceful parties involved in the political processes; and shall not be instituted nor amended without the consent of two thirds majority of those voting in national referendum.
- All appointments to senior positions in the civil service, justice and law enforcement agencies, military and religious organisations shall be based solely on merit and not be at the discretion of political leaders.
Duties of Individuals towards the Nation
- To withhold from undertaking any action that interferes or harms one’s neighbour, his property and his peace, or any persons with whom one comes in contact.
- To obey the laws of the nation.
- To support, maintain, and look after one’s family, including parents, without expecting state support; provide for one’s children’s education in religious, spiritual and secular matters; and live a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
- To pay the economic rent in respect of land that is owned; collect the economic rent where the land is sub-let; and pay any other taxes imposed by government.
- To ensure the land that is owned, used and/or enjoyed is kept in good condition.
- To support the nation in times of war.
- To contribute one’s talents and skills to the benefit of the family and society.
- To participate in the maintenance of good government and just laws according to one’s abilities.
- To raise and maintain their level of consciousness so they are fully responsible for their actions at all times.
- To understand and respect the traditions on which the society is built.
NOTE: The use of the masculine gender on this page also includes the feminine counterpart.