Two Treatises of Government

Definition

The Two Treatises of Government is a foundational text in political philosophy written by John Locke in 1689, which outlines his theories on the social contract and the role of government. Locke argues for the protection of individual rights and the idea that government should derive its authority from the consent of the governed, laying the groundwork for modern democratic thought and influencing concepts like separation of powers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. John Locke's work was partly a response to the political turmoil in England during the late 17th century, advocating for a government accountable to its citizens.
2. Locke's ideas were influential during the Enlightenment and laid the foundation for later democratic revolutions, particularly in America and France.
3. The first treatise critiques the divine right of kings, while the second treatise elaborates on government’s purpose and the need for popular sovereignty.
4. Locke emphasizes that if a government fails to protect citizens' rights, they have the right to revolt and establish a new government.
5. His philosophy promotes tolerance and civil governance, which shaped later liberal political thought and democratic principles.

Review Questions

• How do Locke's ideas in the Two Treatises of Government relate to the concept of social contract?
  • In the Two Treatises of Government, Locke presents the idea that individuals form governments through a social contract to protect their natural rights. He argues that people willingly give up some freedoms in exchange for security and order provided by a government that reflects their collective will. This relationship underlines Locke's belief that legitimate political authority comes from the consent of the governed, connecting his work directly to social contract theory.
• Discuss how Locke’s views on natural rights challenge traditional notions of monarchy as presented in his first treatise.
  • Locke challenges traditional monarchy by refuting the divine right of kings in his first treatise, arguing that rulers are not above natural law. He asserts that every individual possesses inherent natural rights—life, liberty, and property—that governments must respect. This shift away from monarchic absolutism towards a system that prioritizes individual rights laid crucial groundwork for democratic ideologies and influenced later political revolutions.
• Evaluate the impact of Locke's ideas from the Two Treatises of Government on modern democratic systems and their principles.
  • Locke's ideas from the Two Treatises of Government have profoundly influenced modern democratic systems by establishing core principles such as popular sovereignty, individual rights, and limited government. His argument that citizens have the right to overthrow oppressive governments informed democratic revolutions and inspired foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence. The emphasis on separation of powers in governance continues to shape contemporary political structures, promoting checks and balances essential for maintaining democracy.

Related terms

Social Contract: A theory that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender some of their freedoms to a governing body in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.

Natural Rights:

Fundamental rights inherent to all individuals, including life, liberty, and property, which governments are created to protect.

Separation of Powers:

A governance model that divides power among different branches of government to prevent any one entity from gaining absolute control, ensuring a system of checks and balances.