Two Treatises of Government

Definition

The Two Treatises of Government is a work of political philosophy written by John Locke in 1689 that outlines the principles of natural rights and government legitimacy based on the consent of the governed. This text was pivotal in shaping Enlightenment thought, providing a counterpoint to absolute monarchy and laying the groundwork for modern democracy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Locke's work directly challenged the divine right of kings, arguing that governments should derive their authority from the consent of the governed rather than through hereditary rule.
2. The First Treatise is primarily a critique of Sir Robert Filmer's Patriarcha, which defended absolute monarchy, while the Second Treatise articulates Locke's vision of a civil government based on individual rights.
3. Locke's ideas in the Two Treatises greatly influenced later political revolutions, including the American and French Revolutions, as they emphasized the importance of individual rights and limited government.
4. In the Second Treatise, Locke introduces the concept of the right to revolt against unjust governments, asserting that people have the right to overthrow a government that fails to protect their natural rights.
5. The Two Treatises contributed significantly to Enlightenment thought by promoting reason and individualism as essential components of political philosophy.

Review Questions

• How do the principles outlined in Locke's Two Treatises of Government contrast with those of absolute monarchs during the Age of Absolutism?
  • Locke's Two Treatises advocate for government based on natural rights and consent, contrasting sharply with the principles of absolute monarchs who believed in ruling by divine right. While absolute monarchs justified their authority through hereditary claims and divine sanction, Locke argued that legitimate government arises from the agreement of its citizens to form a society that protects their rights. This fundamental shift laid the groundwork for constitutionalism as an alternative to absolutism.
• In what ways did Locke’s ideas about government and natural rights influence later political revolutions, particularly in England and America?
  • Locke's ideas in the Two Treatises served as a philosophical foundation for both the English Civil War and the American Revolution. His arguments for natural rights and government accountability resonated with revolutionaries seeking to challenge tyranny and establish systems based on popular sovereignty. The Declaration of Independence reflects Locke's influence, as it emphasizes life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as unalienable rights that governments must protect. Thus, Locke’s concepts played a crucial role in shaping modern democratic thought.
• Evaluate the impact of Locke’s Two Treatises on Enlightenment thought and its lasting legacy in contemporary political philosophy.
  • Locke's Two Treatises had a profound impact on Enlightenment thought by promoting ideas such as reason, individualism, and secular governance. His assertion that governments must protect individual rights laid the groundwork for contemporary democratic theories. The text's emphasis on civil liberties and the social contract continues to resonate in modern discussions about democracy and human rights. Additionally, Locke's influence is evident in key documents such as constitutions around the world, making his work a cornerstone in the evolution of political philosophy.

Related terms

Natural Rights: The fundamental rights that all individuals possess by virtue of being human, including life, liberty, and property.

Social Contract: An implicit agreement among individuals to form a government that will protect their natural rights in exchange for some of their freedoms.

Consent of the Governed: The idea that a government's legitimacy comes from the approval and agreement of its citizens.