New Objectivist Government Philosophy

     In an Objectivist government, there are only five legitimate functions of the state: police, military, judicial, diplomatic, and treasury.

I have a couple of ideas as to how to piece this innovative government together, that as far as I know, have originated with my own personal thought.

First, I propose that each of the five functions operate as autonomous departments.  Checking powers could be installed by a Constitution that limits the departments from getting out of control.  An example could be the top diplomatic official having the ability to relieve the top military Commander-in-Chief if a binding treaty is not followed.

My second idea is really my motive in writing this blog.  While a new, voluntarily funded government will probably be desperate to receive all the cash it can get, I argue that all donations must go to the Treasury Department before being sent to other government sectors.  This is necessary because the function of that part of the state is to: hold, receive, and distribute donated capital.  And, if you think about it, without this type of checking ability, the Treasury Department does nothing.

So, here comes the objection, "But, then money won't get to the places in government that need it!"  My response is the following:

A middle class man is ideologically all for the new government system, but recognizes that if he donates to government, via the treasury, the money may not go where he wants it to go.  Then he hears about a technique that would greatly improve his chances--so pulls out his checkbook.  Along with a one thousand dollar check, the man sends a note to the Treasury Department that says, "Wouldn't it be great if the judiciary had more funding to reduce the backlog of court cases?"

Throughout the next year, the treasury donor may be on the lookout for the current judicial situation.  If he sees the problem lessen, he may be encouraged to donate again.  If he discovers that little money is going to the judiciary, he may be so angry that he cuts off his future government donations for a while.

Paul Wharton
Special thanks to Eli Lilly & Co. (LLY)