John Locke Reading Test

Jefferson and Locke

Jefferson took what Locke did and took it one step further - theory of social contract in the Declaration of Independence. From Birth, all people enter an agreement with the society that they are born into. The government will provide what you need in exchange for some of your liberties.

Natural Rights

the idea that all humans are born with rights, which include but are not limited to the right to life, liberty, and property. These rights are inherent in who we are as human beings.

Self-Evident Truths

all men are created equal, these men have certain unalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness - these truths are obvious and any human will know they exist.

Why does government exist?

To protect people's natural rights

Where does government get its power?

From the people it governs

What limited the power of the British monarchy?

1. Magna Carta: extended power to Nobles

2. Parliament: determine succession to the throne and limit the Monarch's power

3. Bill of Rights: extended power to the common people

According to Locke, what kinds of government are legitimate?

Governments that recognize the validity of natural law and exist under the consent of the governed

Natural Law

Humans possess intrinsic values that govern our reasoning and behavior. These rules of right vs. wrong are inherent in people and not created by society

State of Nature

a condition in which no governments or laws existed at all and everyone is free to do as they please

What is wrong with the state of nature?

It isn't productive because you always have to watch your back and protect yourself if someone violates the rights of nature against you - why we need government

Why do people join political societies?

Because the state of nature is unstable and there needs to be a sense of order in society. People need their natural rights protected, but have to give up certain liberties in order to be protected

Three aspects of political society

1. Settled known law

2. Impartial Judge

3. Sufficient executive power

Supreme power of the commonwealth

Lawmaking body. The independence of the people rests in the hands of the lawmaking body

What makes a legislature legitimate?

Being chosen by the people and getting the consent from the people

Two rules of legislature

1. Consent of the people

2. follow the standards of the law of God and nature

Why are laws created?

For the betterment of society and the good of the people

Laws in a political society

Laws are established and known by the people. They do not vary and are applied the same way to everyone.

When can a government be dissolved?

When it acts without the consent of the people or when it does not act in accordance with the will of the people

How do people in modern American dissolute governments?

By voting out elected officials or by recall elections

All or nothing mindset of government

You cannot get your individual liberties back and still have security from the government. If you don't want to follow the law, you have to leave the society.