<!-- generated: provider=openrouter model=arcee-ai/trinity-large-preview:free date=2026-02-19 source=book-4-chapter-05 -->

# Public Tranquillity

# Definition

The social peace and stability maintained by government through the
establishment of economic systems and regulations that are acceptable to
the general population, even when those systems may not be economically
optimal.

## Source Chapter

Book IV, Chapter 5

## Context

Smith acknowledges that governments must sometimes establish economic
systems that align with popular prejudices rather than economic efficiency,
in order to maintain social stability and prevent unrest.

## Economic Domain

General Theory

---
