Mutuality of consent is a necessary part of any agreement.

If a transaction lacks mutuality of consent, then there isn't an agreement.  For such a transaction to occur at all, some party to the transaction must be compelled.

Any transaction in which a party is compelled is extortion.  There isn't an agreement and there isn't any obligation under duress.

An Application of the Argument:  Citizenship

In order for me to be a citizen, two conditions are necessary.

1.  The government must want me to be a citizen, and
2.  I must want to be a citizen.

The consent of both parties is necessary to make the agreement.  The objection of either party will prevent the agreement.  Thus, if I don't want to be a citizen then I'm not a citizen.  Citizenship is voluntary.

The only alternative is that a legitimate agreement can exist without mutuality of consent.  However, if I can be compelled to be a citizen then there isn't any difference between citizenship and slavery.  In that case, I have don't any obligations as a citizen.  There isn't any obligation under duress.

An Application of the Argument:  Social Security Numbers

In order for me to have a social security number, two conditions are necessary.

1.  The government must want me to have one, and
2.  I must want to have one.

The consent of both parties is necessary to make the agreement.  The objection of either party will prevent the agreement.  Thus, if I don't want a social security number then I don't have one.

The only alternative is that a legitimate agreement can exist without mutuality of consent.  If I can be compelled to have a social security number then there isn't any difference between voluntary participation and extortion.

An Application of the Argument:  __________________________________

You fill in the blank.  The argument is general and can be used whenever the government tries to compel you.
 
 
 
 

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