The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 03 (of 11)
Thomas Hobbes · en
Eighthly, is annexed to the sovereignty, the right of judicature; that
is to say, of hearing and deciding all controversies, which may arise
concerning law, either civil, or natural; or concerning fact. For
without the decision of controversies, there is no protection of one
subject, against the injuries of another; the laws concerning _meum_ and
_tuum_ are in vain; and to every man remaineth, from the natural and
necessary appetite of his own conservation, the right of protecting
himself by his private strength, which is the condition of war, and
contrary to the end for which every commonwealth is instituted.
[Sidenote: 9. And of making war, and peace, as he shall think best.]
Ninthly, is annexed to the sovereignty, the right of making war and
peace with other nations, and commonwealths; that is to say, of judging
when it is for the public good, and how great forces are to be
assembled, armed, and paid for that end; and to levy money upon the
subjects, to defray the expenses thereof. For the power by which the
people are to be defended, consisteth in their armies; and the strength
of an army, in the union of their strength under one command; which
command the sovereign instituted, therefore hath; because the command of
the _militia_, without other institution, maketh him that hath it
sovereign. And therefore whosoever is made general of an army, he that
hath the sovereign power is always generalissimo.
[Sidenote: 10. And of choosing all counsellors and ministers, both of
peace & war.]
Tenthly, is annexed to the sovereignty, the choosing of all counsellors,
ministers, magistrates, and officers, both in peace, and war. For seeing
the sovereign is charged with the end, which is the common peace and
defence, he is understood to have power to use such means, as he shall
think most fit for his discharge.
[Sidenote: 11. And of rewarding and punishing, and that (where no former
law hath determined the measure of it) arbitrarily.]
Eleventhly, to the sovereign is committed the power of rewarding with
riches, or honour, and of punishing with corporal or pecuniary
punishment, or with ignominy, every subject according to the law he hath
formerly made; or if there be no law made, according as he shall judge
most to conduce to the encouraging of men to serve the commonwealth, or
deterring of them from doing disservice to the same.
[Sidenote: 12. And of honour and order.]