our consent or the legitimacy that this confers on the state that are important but instead the question of who (we believe) is able and willing to protect us

rights are not politically salient in the face of overwhelm­ ing sovereign power

importance of consent and the right to rebel against the sovereign under certain condition

humans need a sovereign ruler to overcome their natural tendencies towards suspicion and competition.

obligation towards our sovereign is because they provide us with security,

This rights transfer is not absolute, as subjects retain a right to self-preservation.Some scholars disagree about how impactful this retained right is.

argued that states can come about through conquest or agreement, and both forms of government are legitimate.

representation is a legal relationship

king or ruler must share characteristics with the people they represent.

eligious symbolism, such as comparing the government to a god-like creature called Leviathan,

create unity and prevent conflicts.

state is necessary for individuals to secure their own self-preservation.

While sovereigns have no direct obligations to their subjects, they have a duty to maintain peace and stability

self-interest and security in the political relationship