Second Treatise on Government

Second Treatise on Government John Locke

1. How does John Locke describe the state of nature?

2. Why do people leave the state of nature and join a political society by establishing a government?

3. Under what conditions can government be dissolved?

4. What are the three things of wanting in the state of nature?

5. Locke describes four bounds for the legislative powers of every government briefly describe them. Main Ideas Main Argument and Locke’s Reasoning: Individuals have the natural right to “life, liberty and property”  “Natural rights” exist prior to entering into civil society or to agreeing to be bound by the authority of government (individuals have “natural rights” in a “state of nature”)

However, for protection of rights in a state of nature, “there are many things wanting”  Individuals enter into society and consent to government in order to protect rights. Legitimate government is based on consent, and it remains legitimate only insofar as it furthers these ends (protection of life, liberty and property)

Significance: Foundation for U.S. Constitution: Locke’s work, with its emphasis on natural law and natural rights, constitutes an important precursor to eighteenth-century beliefs in reason and scientific progress. The framers’ establishment of a constitutional democracy owes much to Locke.

Legislative Supremacy and the Right to Revolt These premises (natural rights, consent) imply legislative supremacy (laws made by representatives) if government violates the trust placed by the people, then “the people shall judge.” (In other words, there is a right to revolution against illegitimate government)

Vocabulary

Promulgate: to make know; disseminate Viz- namely; that is to say