Peter Saint-Andre posts about the way he sees governments: something abstract that is powered by individuals that believe in it, just like religions.

The authority of a particular religion’s god derives from an asserted monopoly over divinity (thou shalt share in the divine only through participation in this church). The authority of a particular country’s government derives from an asserted monopoly over power (thou shalt have strength only through participation in this government department or function). On this theory, the goodness or power of the people (i.e., ultimately of individuals) comes about only through the grace of the monopolists — not from the inborn features, acquired customs, and hard work of the people.

I oppose the monopolists. I think that divinity and power, properly defined, are all and only individual, and that institutions derive their just divinity and power from the individuals who participate in those institutions.