The beating heart of the American experiment is the social contract theory of government, the idea that the leader derives his legitimacy not by divine right but through the will of the people. That is not to say that the people are always right when they approve of a war, but when the elected representatives vote to send men and women into combat, a clear message is sent: We are in this together.

 

The President Is Giving a Master Class in What Not to Do

By David French

Opinion Columnist