The need for social reform
The novel begins on a premise that won't be too shocking to modern readers but was certainly up for debate in the late 19th century when the novel was penned. Griggs writes about the formation of a new government, which is a symbolic demonstration of his argument that there needs to be change on the systemic level. The need for social reform (in his imagination) takes the expression of a new government, because that is the level at which change needs to begin; there are systemic issues relating to the historical disenfranchisement of Black people in the American government.
The damage of hatred in politics
Hatred poses a serious threat in the novel, because the shared resent and regret among the Black community leaves them open to the influence of bad leaders with bad ideas. They are willing to consider violence, just because they are passionate and urgently want change, but Griggs (the character) and Piedmont try to explain that their goals can be better achieved through peace. Yet, still, their shared hatred makes them hard to sway.
The danger of ego in power
Griggs hits the nail on the head when, the beginning of the novel, he says that one of the most serious dangers facing the community is the desire for power in single individuals. That is, their own ego. This is best captured in Bernard Belgrade who knows immediately that Griggs is talking about him. He himself wants to be in charge, and he wants to lead a cult of personality. His ego drives him to manipulated the people into doing what he wants, as the novel shows.
The need for reeducation
One of the first things the Imperium addresses is the need for reeducation among the Black people. They have been historically restricted from education, and now their need for knowledge is at an all-time peak. They begin to organize new education systems and allow well-educated Black men to form their government. Then later, Piedmont points out that white people in Texas will need reeducation too, because they have also been misinformed about Black people through culturally reinforced narratives.
