Groundwork on the Metaphysics of Morals

"Rechtsstaat", which translates as "rule of law" or "state based on justice and integrity" is the backbone of Kant's philosophy of law and political philosophy. Found in the "Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals", it introduces the concept that the power of the state should be limited in order to protect a nation's citizens from abuse of authority from its government.

Kant believed that to achieve universal peace, the state "must become the community of a large number of people, living provided with legislative guarantees of their property rights secured by a common constitution. The supremacy of this constitution... must be derived a priori from the considerations for achievement of the absolute ideal in the most just and fair organization of people's life under the aegis of public law"

A fascinating read, this work also gives Kant's views on democracy (surprising spoiler: he was against it), and his political philosophy of the role of the university in modern society.