What were david humes ideas on government?

David Hume, an 18th-century Scottish philosopher, held a skeptical view of government grounded in empirical observation. He argued that governments arise not from social contracts but from historical developments and human nature, emphasizing the importance of customs and traditions. Hume believed that a stable government is crucial for societal prosperity, advocating for a limited role of government to protect property and maintain order, while cautioning against excessive power that could lead to tyranny. His ideas laid the groundwork for later political thought, balancing between authority and individual liberty.