Government presents itself as having inherent authority over you. But dig deeper and you find that every exercise of authority requires some form of consent — explicit or implied, conscious or unconscious. What have you agreed to?
This domain explores the framework through which governmental authority operates — and the agreements that may (or may not) give it jurisdiction over you.
Territory Being Mapped
Statutes apply to "persons" within their jurisdiction. But jurisdiction requires consent. How do you enter — or remain in — statutory jurisdiction?
Courts require "subject matter jurisdiction" and "personal jurisdiction." Both involve some form of consent — often implied by your actions or silence.
Two distinct court systems with different rules. Which one are you in? The answer often depends on which capacity you're operating in.
Political theory says you've agreed to be governed by living in society. But did you consciously agree? What are the actual terms?
This Section is Being Charted
This territory is being mapped. The full Governance domain will explore how statutes, regulations, and governmental authority function as agreement-based systems — and what options exist for conscious navigation.
Content being developed:
- Jurisdiction Fundamentals — What gives a court authority over you?
- Citizenship and Status — Different types with different implications
- Statutory Construction — How to read what statutes actually say
- Administrative Proceedings — Courts of contract, not courts of law
- The Consent Framework — How consent is implied and how it might be challenged
Related Explorations
While this section is being developed, these connected topics are available: