The widely recognized phrase, "human beings are born free, yet everywhere they are bound by shackles," insinuates that contemporary nations suppress the innate liberty we are born with and fail to ensure the civic freedom that is the very reason we engage in societal contracts. The only valid source of political authority, it is suggested, originates from a societal agreement consented to by all members to ensure their collective protection.

The aggregate of all citizens is recognized as the "sovereign," and is likened in many respects to an individual. While each person has a unique will directed towards their own welfare, the sovereign embodies the collective will aimed at the communal good. The sovereign only wields authority over issues pertaining to public interest, but in this sphere its authority is sovereign: the death penalty is recommended for those who breach the societal agreement.

The collective will is most transparent in the state's impersonal and generic laws, created at the state's inception by an unbiased, non-citizen legislator. The laws must uphold freedom and equality, beyond this they may be altered according to local conditions. While the sovereign implements legislative power through laws, a government is needed to exercise executive power and conduct daily affairs. Governments can take many forms, roughly divided into democracy, aristocracy, and monarchy, dependent on their size. Monarchy is considered the most powerful form of government, ideal for large populations and hotter climates. Despite different states being suited to different government forms, aristocracies are viewed as the most stable. The government and the sovereign are separate entities and are usually in conflict. This tension will eventually lead to the dissolution of the state, but robust states can endure for centuries.

Citizens exercise their sovereignty by participating in regular, scheduled gatherings. Convincing all citizens to attend these meetings can be challenging, but attendance is crucial for the state's well-being. Electing representatives or trying to avoid public service endangers the state as the collective will is not heard. When voting, citizens should cast their ballot not based on personal interest, but what they believe is the collective will. In a robust state, the voting results should be nearly unanimous. To argue that even large states can gather all their citizens, the Roman republic and its comitia are presented as examples.

A tribunate is proposed to mediate between the government and sovereign, and between the government and the people. Short-term dictatorships might be necessary during emergencies. The censor's office's role is to express public opinion. While everyone should be permitted to practice their personal beliefs privately, it is suggested that the state should also mandate all citizens to practice a public religion that promotes good citizenship.