GO 171 Locke Terms

Political Power

The right to make and enforce laws for the public good, with the authority to protect property, punish criminals, and defend the community.

State of Nature

A condition before government where people are free and equal, governed by the Law of Nature; largely peaceful but insecure.

Freedom in the State of Nature

Living without subjection to another’s will, bound only by the Law of Nature.

Freedom in Civil Society

Preserved and regulated by just laws that protect individual rights.

License

Acting without moral or legal restraint. The abuse of freedom—acting without regard for the Law of Nature or the rights of others.

Law of Nature

A moral law dictating that people should not harm one another in life, liberty, or property.

State of War (and compare to Hobbes)

Locke believed

• the cause of war was from one person or state using force without right.

• War ends when force is stopped or a just government is established.

• The state of nature is mostly peaceful, war is the exception

• The solution is legitimate self defense and lawful government.

Hobbes believed in comparison

• The cause of war is the natural condition of humans in the absence of government

• It continues until a sovereign authority puts an end to it

• The state of nature is a state of war

• The solution is to establish absolute sovereignty to impose order

Absolute Power (and compare to Hobbes)

• Locke argues absolute power is illegitimate because no one can rightfully have total control over another because government exists to protect rights and not to impose will

• Hobbes argues absolute sovereignty is necessary to prevent chaos and subjects cannot justly rebel because they have already consented to absolute rule by forming a commonwealth

Slavery (and compare to Hobbes)

• Locke believes that slavery is unnatural because all people are born free and equal and the only just form of slavery is captivity in a just war, but rejects absolute rule over slaves

• Hobbes believes that slavery is justified as a result of conquest and the defeated agree to serve the conqueror to save their lives. Hobbes allows voluntary enslavement.

Basis of the Natural Right to Property

Property originates when a person mixes their labor with natural resources.

Spoliation Proviso

One may take from nature only as much as they can use without waste.

Honor Due to Parents

Children owe respect to their parents but are free once they reach maturity.

Political Society

An organized community formed when individuals consent to establish government.

Legislative Power

The supreme power of government tasked with making laws to protect life, liberty, and property.

Executive Power

The power to enforce the law and punish offenders, not absolute and checked by the people.

Federative Power

The power to conduct foreign affairs, including making treaties.

Beginning of Political Society in Consent

Government is only legitimate if people explicitly or tacitly consent to it.

Tacit Consent

Implied agreement to government through one’s actions by using its protections.

Express Consent

An agreement to a government that requires an explicit agreement, such as taking an oath or signing a contract.

Prerogative

The ruler or government to make decisions outside of the law when laws are insufficient to address urgent matters. It is only legitimate when used for the benefit of the people, not for arbitrary rule

Conquest

The forcible taking of control, which does not create legitimate rule.

Usurpation

The unlawful seizure of power, ruling without the people’s consent.

Tyranny

When a ruler acts in self-interest rather than the public good.

Dissolution of the Society

The complete breakdown of a political community.

Dissolution of the Government

When a government ceases to protect the people’s rights, but society remains.

Rebellion

Justified resistance against tyranny.

Appeal to Heaven

The final resort to force when no lawful authority remains to resolve disputes.