Two Treatises of Government

Definition

The 'Two Treatises of Government' is a foundational political text written by John Locke in 1689, outlining his theories on civil society and the role of government. The work is divided into two parts: the first treats the state of nature and critiques the divine right of kings, while the second articulates the principles of government based on the consent of the governed and individual rights. This text significantly influenced political thought during the Enlightenment and contributed to the development of liberal democracy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. John Locke wrote the 'Two Treatises of Government' in response to the political turmoil of the late 17th century, particularly against absolutism and tyranny.
2. The first treatise serves as a critique of Sir Robert Filmer's defense of the divine right of kings, arguing that no individual has a natural authority over others.
3. The second treatise lays out Locke's belief that legitimate government must be built upon the consent of the governed, establishing a foundation for modern democratic principles.
4. Locke’s ideas about natural rights influenced key documents such as the United States Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen.
5. The 'Two Treatises' emphasizes that if a government fails to protect individual rights, citizens have the right to overthrow it, laying groundwork for revolutionary thought.

Review Questions

• How does John Locke's critique in the first treatise challenge existing political theories regarding monarchy?
  • In the first treatise of 'Two Treatises of Government', John Locke critiques the divine right of kings as presented by Sir Robert Filmer. Locke argues that monarchy is not a natural institution and that no one has an inherent right to rule over others. By rejecting this concept, Locke lays the groundwork for a political system based on reason and equality, emphasizing that authority should be derived from the consent of those being governed rather than through hereditary claims.
• Discuss how Locke's concept of natural rights in the second treatise informs his views on governmental authority.
  • In the second treatise, Locke articulates his belief in natural rights—life, liberty, and property—as essential for individual freedom. He argues that government exists primarily to protect these rights and must operate with the consent of the people. If a government fails to uphold these rights or acts against them, Locke asserts that citizens have not only the right but also a duty to rebel against such a government. This principle reinforces the idea that legitimate authority comes from serving the people’s interests.
• Evaluate how Locke's ideas in 'Two Treatises of Government' contributed to modern political thought and revolutions in Europe and America.
  • Locke's 'Two Treatises of Government' significantly shaped modern political thought by introducing concepts such as individual rights and government accountability. His assertion that power derives from popular consent inspired revolutions like the American Revolution and the French Revolution. By emphasizing that citizens could challenge unjust governments, Locke's philosophy provided a moral framework for questioning authority and advocating for democracy. His influence is evident in foundational documents like the U.S. Declaration of Independence, which echoes his beliefs about government protecting natural rights.

Related terms

Social Contract: An implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its rules, which legitimizes governmental authority.

Natural Rights: The fundamental rights inherent to all individuals, such as life, liberty, and property, which government must protect.

Divine Right of Kings: A political doctrine asserting that a monarch's right to rule comes directly from God, rather than from the consent of the governed.