I agree that Bastiat makes a strong case for the importance of the law in society. Bastiat's observations on the connection between freedom and the law are still valid today and have significant meaning for how we perceive the function of the state in society. His fundamental concept that the law should only exist to safeguard citizens' freedom and property—is a significant one that offers a framework for assessing the morality of laws and policies. Also important is Bastiat's disdain of laws that serve purposes other than these, such as those that grant monopolies, control trade, or redistribute wealth. His claim that these regulations undermine society by restricting individual freedom is especially true. It draws attention to the reality that regulations that go beyond simply defending individual rights may have unforeseen consequences including hindering competition, restricting innovation, and adding unneeded expenses for customers. I agree when you said > Bastiat points out that this tendency of government to overstep its bounds is rooted in the tendency of individuals to seek benefits at the expense of others." This is especially prevalent today, as politicians are making millions from insider trading in the stock market. These "public workers" are abusing their power to benefit themselves at the expense of others. I made a comment on another post that referenced how institutions are relatively fair concepts, as the employees technically can leave at any time. In regards to the government, most people are stuck and they do not have much of a voice against something as powerful as the US. The very people that have powerful roles in the government are leveraging their own status to benefit themselves at the expense of the taxpayer in this case -- who cannot stop paying taxes! At least in regard to institutions, employees can leave at their own free will and find another job if their skills are valuable. In the case of the government, people will be thrown in prison if they do not comply. There is minimal control over the government, which hurts the citizens in the end, as people in power inevitably abuse it. Overall, I agree with Bastiat that power should be at the will of the majority in society and limit the power held by the government. Unfortunately, the government has obtained more and more power little by little across time, which makes it difficult to stand up against, since there are very few blatant occasions that tyranny was tipped over the edge.