Private Government Argument Analysis

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Pages: 6

Throughout this essay I will explain why Linda is being subjected to private government by Technology Corp. in insisting that she signs a non-compete agreement. First I will clarify what is meant by private government according to Anderson, followed up with my arguments that Technology Corp is exercising private government. Next I will present an objection to the arguments followed by a response to the objection, and then wrap it all up in the conclusion. Private government, defined by Anderson, “is government that has arbitrary, unaccountable power over those it governs (pp. 44).” When she says it is ‘arbitrary’ she means that there are reasons, but they are not very good or significant ones. When she says it is ‘unaccountable’ she means that there are ways to keep in check the governors, but they are not consistently used or make a big difference. You are subject to …show more content…
One of the main reasons being that it is a threat to our three concepts of freedom; negative, positive, and republican. Negative freedom is how the private government interferes with one’s actions. Positive freedom is how the private government doesn’t leave you with a rich option of choices. Republican freedom is how the private government expresses its dominance over you with its arbitrary, unaccountable will (Anderson, pp. 45-46). An example of this threat to our freedoms is how employers use the concept of private government to govern our everyday lives outside of work. Penn State recently threatened to impose a $100 per month surcharge on workers who didn’t answer a health survey (Anderson, pp. 49). This clearly shows Penn State is acting as a private government and threatening the freedoms listed above. Expressing dominance over their employees by enforcing a fine, interfering with one’s actions by making them reveal their health choices, and limiting their options by making them feel self-conscious of their health