---
entity_slug: three_duties_of_the_sovereign
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T06:31:11.622174'
overall_score: 4.8
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: 'The definition is highly precise, clearly delineating three distinct
    and specific governmental responsibilities: defense, justice, and public works.
    Each duty is well-bounded and non-overlapping, avoiding vague umbrella terminology.'
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is directly grounded in Smith's explicit articulation in
    Book IV, Chapter 9, where he systematically outlines these three duties as the
    proper scope of government under natural liberty. The concept represents one of
    Smith's most clear and foundational theoretical statements.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The "Regulation" domain is perfectly appropriate, as this entity defines
    the legitimate boundaries and scope of governmental regulatory authority. It establishes
    the theoretical framework for what government should and should not regulate in
    Smith's system.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity maps well to VSM System 5 (identity/policy) as it defines
    the fundamental identity and policy boundaries of the governmental system within
    Smith's economic framework. It establishes the core identity of what legitimate
    government should be and do.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity provides exceptional explanatory power by establishing the
    theoretical foundation for Smith's entire approach to the proper role of government
    in economic systems. It illuminates the structural relationship between minimal
    government and natural liberty, serving as a key organizing principle for understanding
    Smith's regulatory philosophy.
---

# Evaluation: Three Duties Of The Sovereign

## definition_precision — 5.0 / 5.0

The definition is highly precise, clearly delineating three distinct and specific governmental responsibilities: defense, justice, and public works. Each duty is well-bounded and non-overlapping, avoiding vague umbrella terminology.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is directly grounded in Smith's explicit articulation in Book IV, Chapter 9, where he systematically outlines these three duties as the proper scope of government under natural liberty. The concept represents one of Smith's most clear and foundational theoretical statements.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The "Regulation" domain is perfectly appropriate, as this entity defines the legitimate boundaries and scope of governmental regulatory authority. It establishes the theoretical framework for what government should and should not regulate in Smith's system.

## vsm_relevance — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity maps well to VSM System 5 (identity/policy) as it defines the fundamental identity and policy boundaries of the governmental system within Smith's economic framework. It establishes the core identity of what legitimate government should be and do.

## explanatory_value — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity provides exceptional explanatory power by establishing the theoretical foundation for Smith's entire approach to the proper role of government in economic systems. It illuminates the structural relationship between minimal government and natural liberty, serving as a key organizing principle for understanding Smith's regulatory philosophy.
