A brief summary of John Ponets A Short T of Politic reatise Power

By Ng Yee Juenne and Bilal Hyder Jefri

Introduction Introduction
It is better to trust in the Lords than to trust in Princes This is the fundamental principle of Ponets theory. He believed that Gods absolute soveirgnty would do well as it would be for the welfare of the people.

By Yee Juenne Ng and Bilal Hyder Jefri

Where to get the power power

He believes there are two types of government: absolute monarchy or the mixed state in which monarchs are present but only to a certain degree.

By Yee Juenne Ng and Bilal Hyder Jefri

How much power do they have have

While he admitted there could be disobedience against power, he believed that the justification of the use of tyranny in the name of God was blasphemy.

By Yee Juenne Ng and Bilal Hyder Jefri

Checks and balances on the power power

He believed that if a monarch failed to recognize their duties, a hierarchy should be set up in which the people would first complain to either the Parliament or Gods ministers first. If the authority figures in the hierarchy fail, only then should the people take matters into their own hands and revolt. He believed that the roles of monarchs was to act as moral authorities who had the duty to maintain justice, to defend the innocent, and to punish evil. They should also abstain from tyranny, do their duties and glorify God.
By Yee Juenne Ng and Bilal Hyder Jefri

How far are we bound bound

Obedience is subject to individual judgement.
We are human, ergo we make mistakes make judgements based on the situation and matter.

Duties of a ruler within a framework

Loyalty should be to God and your country first, not a man, but a realm must have a ruler and the ruler defers to God.

Subjects may wield the same power sometimes, but only under dire circumstances
The ruler must be just and seek the council of the people.

Princes and Lords should be the defenders of their peoples, and not impose their power over them.

By Yee Juenne Ng and Bilal Hyder Jefri

What they can take and what they cant cant

They shouldnt impose taxes just because they can, a good ruler should put the wealth of his people first.

By Yee Juenne Ng and Bilal Hyder Jefri

Is it right to depose them them

If the ruler is a good and Godly person, no. If the ruler is unscrupulous and ungodly, then yes.

By Yee Juenne Ng and Bilal Hyder Jefri

Additional Notes
This tract was written before Shakespeare was born so it is possible that some of his political values were taken from here.

By Yee Juenne Ng and Bilal Hyder Jefri