Leviathan, Need for a Commonwealth

The rights of Sovereignty are the same in both commonwealth by institution and commonwealth by acquisition. They only differ in one regard, that is, in a commonwealth by institution men choose their sovereign because they fear each other and not him whom they institute. In a commonwealth by acquisition, the fear is not of one another, rather men fear the very person who they subject themselves to. However, in both cases the sovereign is appointed due to a fear of death and violence, only the nature of the fear differs.
It is evident that the need for a commonwealth is a necessary condition for the survival of men to be successful and prosperous. Further, Hobbes makes it clear that there must be a central leader, or leaders, to rule over the commonwealth in such a way that peace and security is provided for. However, regarding the specific characteristics and rights a sovereign is given and entrusted with, it remains to be seen what form of rule truly provides for a care of the common in the most efficient way.
…