The Quaker Theory of a Civil Constitution

In late seventeenth-century England, Quakers articulated ideas about the origin, form and function of a civil constitution that differed markedly from other theories of the time. The difference hinged on their mode of legal discernment being based not on reason, but rather synteresis, or direct and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:History of political thought 2006-12, Vol.27 (4), p.586-619
Main Author: Calvert, Jane E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Civil law
Common law
Constitutionalism
Constitutions
Divinity
England
Government
Political Philosophy
Political revolutions
Political Science Theories
Polities
Quakers
Synteresis
Theology
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Summary:In late seventeenth-century England, Quakers articulated ideas about the origin, form and function of a civil constitution that differed markedly from other theories of the time. The difference hinged on their mode of legal discernment being based not on reason, but rather synteresis, or direct and progressive divine revelation. From this basis, Quakers offered an alternative understanding of, among other things, popular sovereignty and political obligation that properly fitted neither Whig nor Tory constitutional thought. Most significantly, they originated the idea of the permanent, yet amendable constitution, which caused them to deny the legitimacy of revolution and put forth instead civil disobedience as a means for radical, yet peaceful constitutional change. This theory would be used as the foundation for Quaker governments in America.
ISSN:0143-781X
2051-2988