John Locke's Second Treatise of Government Overview

John Locke

English philosopher (1632-1704), known as the father of liberalism.

State of Nature

A moral, but unstable, society without government.

Laws of Nature

People have reason, so they know to respect life, liberty, and property.

Natural Rights

Life → Right to self-preservation; Liberty → Freedom from absolute control; Property → People own what they mix their labor with.

Purpose of Government

To protect natural rights that are not fully secure in the state of nature.

State of War

Occurs when someone tries to dominate another.

State of Slavery

Happens when someone loses their freedom unjustly.

Property Rights in the State of Nature

People own whatever they mix their labor with (e.g., farming land).

Money's Impact

Money allows people to store value, breaking the 'use what you need' limit.

The Social Contract

People agree to form a government to protect their rights.

Tacit Consent

Benefiting from society (e.g., using roads) means you accept its rules.

Express Consent

Explicitly agreeing to government (e.g., signing a contract).

Branches of Government

Legislative (most important) → Makes laws; Executive → Enforces laws; Federative → Handles foreign affairs (sometimes part of the executive).

Dissolution of Society

When the people stop identifying as one community.

Dissolution of Government

If it stops protecting rights, it becomes illegitimate.

Right to Revolt

People have a duty to overthrow a government that becomes tyrannical.

Executive Prerogative

The ability of the leader to act without (or beyond) the law in emergencies.