Two Treatises of Government

Definition

The 'Two Treatises of Government' is a political work by John Locke, written in 1689, that argues against the divine right of kings and lays the groundwork for modern democracy and political philosophy. The first treatise refutes the idea that monarchs have a God-given right to rule, while the second treatise outlines Locke's theories on natural rights, the social contract, and the role of government in protecting individual liberties.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Locke's 'Two Treatises of Government' was written during a period of political turmoil in England, influenced by events like the Glorious Revolution.
2. The work emphasizes the idea that government's legitimacy comes from the consent of the governed, which was revolutionary at the time.
3. Locke argues that if a government fails to protect the natural rights of its citizens, they have the right to revolt and establish a new government.
4. The second treatise introduces the concept of property as a natural right and explains how individuals have a claim to ownership through their labor.
5. Locke's ideas greatly influenced later democratic thinkers and documents, including the United States Declaration of Independence and the French Revolution.

Review Questions

• How does Locke's argument in the 'Two Treatises of Government' challenge traditional views of monarchy?
  • Locke challenges traditional views by rejecting the divine right of kings, which held that monarchs were chosen by God to rule. In his first treatise, he provides strong arguments against this doctrine and emphasizes that legitimate political power comes from the consent of the governed. By advocating for government as a protector of natural rights rather than an absolute ruler, Locke reshapes our understanding of political authority and introduces foundational ideas for democracy.
• Discuss the significance of Locke's theory of natural rights in the context of modern democratic thought.
  • Locke's theory of natural rights is significant because it lays the groundwork for contemporary concepts of individual freedoms and human rights. By asserting that every person has inherent rights to life, liberty, and property, he establishes a moral basis for challenging oppressive governments. This idea directly influences various democratic movements and legal frameworks that prioritize protecting citizens' rights against tyranny and abuse.
• Evaluate how Locke's 'Two Treatises of Government' has impacted contemporary governance models and citizen engagement.
  • Locke's 'Two Treatises of Government' has profoundly influenced contemporary governance models by embedding principles like individual rights and governmental accountability into democratic systems worldwide. His ideas encourage citizen engagement through mechanisms like voting and civic participation, asserting that governments must answer to their constituents. This shift towards representative democracy can be traced back to Locke’s belief that citizens hold power over their rulers through consent, ultimately shaping how modern societies function.

Related terms

Natural Rights: Fundamental rights that every individual possesses by virtue of being human, including life, liberty, and property, which Locke argues should be protected by government.

Social Contract: A theoretical agreement in which individuals consent to form a society and establish a government to protect their rights in exchange for some of their freedoms.

Divine Right of Kings: The doctrine that kings derive their authority from God, which Locke's first treatise challenges by advocating for a government based on consent rather than divine will.