Halloween: A case study in self-governance

Happy Halloween! As you prepare for a night of costumes, candy, and neighborhood strolls, let’s take a moment to think about trick-or-treating in a different light—one that might reveal how this fun tradition exemplifies the principles of self-government and the freedom that comes with it.

When we think about trick-or-treating, it’s essentially a cooperative community event that relies on voluntary participation, responsibility, and mutual respect. Kids go door to door, knocking politely and saying, “Trick or Treat!”

It’s a simple ritual, but it’s grounded in an unwritten social contract. Neighbors expect a courteous visit, and kids expect a treat in return. No one’s forced to participate, but those who choose to do so willingly join in the fun. This mirrors how freedom works in a self-governing society: through trust, respect, and the understanding that we’re all responsible for our actions and choices.

Self-government depends on people coming together in shared agreements and norms, much like a neighborhood choosing to participate in Halloween festivities. Each person’s freedom is balanced by respect for others. Just as one home might prefer not to participate by leaving the porch light off, self-government recognizes that not everyone will make the same choices—and that’s okay. In both trick-or-treating and a free society, it’s this respect for others’ decisions that keeps things running smoothly.

In a way, Halloween is a celebration of the freedoms we enjoy when we uphold our responsibilities and respect the boundaries set by others. By allowing each family and each house to choose how they engage, trick-or-treating becomes an exercise in freedom and self-governance—no central authority required!

The greatest challenge, of course, is practicing the self-control not to eat too much candy in one sitting!

As we celebrate Halloween tonight, let’s appreciate the ways our communities come together for a bit of fun and freedom, making our neighborhoods a little brighter and showing how these simple traditions remind us of our larger, shared values made possible through the practice of self-government.


Wishing you all a safe, happy, and respectful Halloween!

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