Locke

Locke’s view on Government

Government exists to protect our rights

How does Locke think humans are naturally?

people are naturally reasonable, free, equal, and can understand moral rules

Locke view on state of nature

not a state of war, no common judges, everyone is equal and free

Who does Locke think enforces laws?

Everyone does! everyone has the right to punish someone who violates the law of nature. BUT individual can be biased

Locke View on social contract

Give up some rights to government in exchange for protection

How much power does the government have?

The government does not have unlimited power - if the government violates people natural tights, people have the right to replace the Gov.

Lockes basic argument

if X made Y then Y is X’s property

Lockes views on leaving the state of nature

By giving up our power to punish, submitting to the will of the majority, voluntary

When can people take power back from the government

Rule of Law ignored, Reps are prevented from meeting, Elections altered without popular consent, and forcible restrictions on rights.