Problems of Government 129- Race: This concept is manifest in such terms as “The White
Man’s Burden,” “The Master Race,” “The Chosen People.” - Ancestry. The ideas of monarchy, pedigree, heredity, and
family name, are based on this concept. - Age: Councils of elders, voting age requirements, and age
requirements for office holders are examples of of this concept. - Sex: The history of male dominance in governing, kings,
primogeniture, and the child-rearing role of women are histori
cal examples of this idea. - Religion: Consider the role of religion in ancient Egypt,
India, the medieval church, and recent theocracies such as Tibet,
Iran, Israel. - Military Strength: The concept is “Might makes right,” and
some historical examples are South American coups, Sparta, and
Prussia where the military has been idealized. - Culture: Consider the definition of culture, and language,
scientific achievements, literary pre-eminence as validating a
superior culture. - Wealth: The concept of plutocracy, Aristotelian citizen
ship, Hamiltonian policy, and Marxian philosophy all recognize
wealth a justification for governing. - Knowledge: Platonic philosophy and the value placed on
intellectualism, college degrees, and literacy tests are examples
of the belief in the value of knowledge.
The egalitarian maintains that while there are differences
among men, the similarities should be emphasized. Since gov
ernment affects us all, we all have a stake in governing. Also, the
egalitarian considers the idea that “All men are created equal” to
be the basis for a valid political philosophy. Thus, the egalitarian
seeks to find basis for man’s equality rather than criteria for
differentiation. The classical roots of egalitarianism are:
- The Stoics: They believed each man had a spark of the
divine in him (reason), and to that extent all were equal. - Roman law: The development of the Roman concept of jus
gentium and the extension of citizenship were historical move
ments toward equality. - The gospel o f Jesus: His teaching of the equality of each