Explain Thomas Hobbes on the rights and duties of sovereign.

Thomas Hobbes, in his seminal work "Leviathan," presents a comprehensive theory of sovereignty that emphasizes the absolute authority of the sovereign ruler in maintaining peace and order within society. According to Hobbes, individuals in the state of nature willingly surrender their natural rights to a sovereign authority in exchange for security and protection. Here's an explanation of Hobbes' views on the rights and duties of the sovereign:

Rights of the Sovereign:

1. Absolute Authority: Hobbes argues that the sovereign possesses absolute and indivisible authority over the state. The sovereign's authority is derived from the social contract, wherein individuals transfer their rights to the sovereign in order to escape the state of nature and its inherent chaos.

2. Law-Making Power: The sovereign has the exclusive right to make and enforce laws necessary for maintaining peace and security. Hobbes asserts that without a sovereign authority to establish and uphold laws, society would descend into a state of constant conflict and insecurity.

3. Representation of the Body Politic: Hobbes conceptualizes the sovereign as representing the unified will of the entire body politic. By embodying the collective interests of the people, the sovereign acts as the supreme arbiter of justice and authority.

Duties of the Sovereign:

1. Protection of Subjects: Hobbes contends that the primary duty of the sovereign is to protect the lives and property of the subjects. The sovereign's authority is justified by its ability to provide security and prevent the "war of all against all" that characterizes the state of nature.

2. Maintenance of Order: It is the duty of the sovereign to maintain social order and stability through the enactment and enforcement of laws. Hobbes emphasizes the importance of a strong and centralized authority capable of imposing obedience and deterring disobedience.

3. Resolution of Disputes: The sovereign is responsible for adjudicating disputes and ensuring the fair administration of justice. Hobbes argues that without a central authority to resolve conflicts, individuals would resort to violence and self-help, leading to perpetual insecurity.

In summary, Thomas Hobbes envisions the sovereign as possessing absolute authority derived from the consent of individuals seeking protection and security. The rights of the sovereign include law-making power and the representation of the collective will of the people, while the duties of the sovereign primarily revolve around ensuring the safety, order, and well-being of the subjects. Hobbes' theory of sovereignty laid the groundwork for modern political thought on the nature of authority and the role of the state in maintaining social order.