Meaning: This quote by Elliot Richardson, a prominent American lawyer and public servant, highlights a fundamental difference in perspective between the state and the people. Richardson was known for his commitment to public service and the rule of law, and this quote reflects his views on the relationship between the state and its citizens.

In the quote, Richardson contrasts two distinct perspectives on the nature of the state. He suggests that for some, the state is perceived as an entity with its own purposes and interests, to which the people are expected to be subservient. This view implies a top-down approach to governance, where the state is seen as the primary actor, and the people are required to serve its objectives.

In contrast, Richardson presents an alternative perspective, one that emphasizes the sovereignty and agency of the people. He articulates a vision where the state is merely a label for the mechanisms through which individuals collectively delegate responsibilities to chosen representatives. In this conception, the people are the primary actors, and the state exists as a tool for organizing and managing shared concerns.

This dichotomy reflects broader debates about the nature of governance, political authority, and the relationship between the state and its citizens. It encapsulates questions about the proper role of government, the limits of state power, and the rights and responsibilities of individuals within a political community.

From Richardson's perspective, the state should be a means for the people to collectively address common interests and concerns. It should serve as a vehicle through which individuals can delegate certain functions and powers to elected officials and public institutions, rather than as an entity with its own independent agenda.

This quote also speaks to the concept of citizenship and civic engagement. By framing the state as a tool for delegation and collective action, Richardson emphasizes the active role of citizens in shaping and influencing the actions of government. It suggests that individuals have a responsibility to participate in the political process and hold their representatives accountable, rather than simply obeying the dictates of a distant and autonomous state.

Furthermore, the quote touches on the idea of social contract theory, which has been central to Western political thought for centuries. This theory posits that individuals consent to be governed in exchange for the protection of their rights and interests. Richardson's perspective aligns with a social contract framework by emphasizing the idea that the state derives its authority from the consent and delegation of the people, rather than from an inherent or absolute power.

In summary, Elliot Richardson's quote offers a thought-provoking reflection on the nature of the state and the relationship between the government and its citizens. It underscores the importance of viewing the state as a tool for collective action and delegation, rather than as an independent entity with its own objectives. This perspective highlights the agency of individuals in shaping the functions and priorities of government, and it invites further consideration of the rights and responsibilities inherent in citizenship.