3) Between the totality of subjects and the head of state, there is no other relationship than one in which the former obeys unconditionally and, in much the same way, the latter commands. A division of powers between government and people is therefore out of the question, even though the government could be multi-branched, i.e., could consist of numerous participants, or even if (since absolutist theory also applies to democracy) the entire governing power should reside within a single community of state, whose decisions are then certainly not subject to any control or any limitation on the basis of the rights of an individual citizen.
4) Absolute power, whether entrusted to One or to Some or to All, is undivided as well as unrestricted power. It is the state, and apart from it there are only those who obey unequivocally. It promulgates laws and it executes them exclusively and without outside participation.
5) Therefore the judicial power also belongs to its domain; and in each case, it is entitled to establish and organize the courts acting in its name as it pleases and also to activate, as it sees fit, special courts alongside ordinary [ones] for special cases or subjects.
6) Neither the people nor any individual among the people is entitled to any right to information about public affairs. These public affairs are exclusively the prerogative of the government, which makes them known [to the general public] to the extent it sees fit. It, the government alone, is also entitled to judge what is beneficial or not beneficial to the public good, i.e. to itself, since it represents the public good. It neither recognizes nor tolerates public opinion, as it might establish limitations or give direction to its administration. Accordingly, it also withholds unauthorized opinions of individuals or matters of state, indeed all statements that incur its displeasure for whatever reason, by censorship and prohibition, and suppresses every attempted communication of facts or teachings that would be considered disadvantageous to its interest should they become known.
7) The absolutist government, to be sure, demands the same kind of obedience from all its subjects, but it also asserts the right to confer as many privileges and dispensations as it likes to estates or classes of individuals, whether this be a mere relationship based on favor or for any purpose corresponding to its interest. But, as far as liberty is concerned, its very concept is antagonistic to that of absolutism. It expresses an independent right; and in the absolutist state there is no other [right] than that resting on the will of the lord and master; and the only thing that is independent is the authority of the state itself.
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