Excerpts From Locke's Two Treatises On Government 1690

Excerpts From Lockes Two Trea3se On Government 1690man Being Bornwi

Excerpts from Locke’s Two Treatises on Government, 1690, discuss the natural rights of individuals, the origin of political societies, and the justification for revolution when governments breach their trust. Locke posits that humans, in their natural state, possess perfect freedom and complete rights under natural law, including the right to life, liberty, and property, and the authority to judge and punish breaches of this law—sometimes even with death. Despite the natural freedom humans have, Locke explains that the enjoyment of such rights is uncertain and vulnerable to invasion by others, which motivates individuals to form political societies for mutual protection.

Locke argues that civil society forms when individuals relinquish their natural power to a common authority that enforces laws, preserves property, and resolves disputes. This collective authority acts as an umpire, based on established, impartial rules accessible to all. When a government attempts to seize absolute power over the lives, liberties, or estates of its citizens—by destroying property or enslaving the people—it breaches its trust. Such acts result in the people’s right to resist or disobey, as the government becomes a threat to their natural rights, and sovereignty reverts to the people.

Furthermore, Locke emphasizes that legislative and executive authorities must act within their trust. If they employ corrupt practices, such as manipulating elections through threats, promises, or undue influence, they undermine the legitimacy of government itself. Locke views such corruption as a threat to public security, and revolutionary change justified when governments engage in long-standing abuses and prevarications. Locke's theory solidifies the right of the people to overthrow oppressive governments and establish new ones based on consent and the rule of law.

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John Locke’s political philosophy, particularly articulated in his "Two Treatises of Government" (1690), profoundly influenced the development of modern liberal democracy and constitutional government. His theories on natural rights, the social contract, and the right to revolution provided intellectual foundations for the Enlightenment and justified the political upheavals that shaped the modern world. This essay explores Locke’s view of natural rights, the formation of civil society, the limits of governmental power, and the justification for revolution, highlighting their enduring relevance.

Introduction

John Locke's political ideas marked a significant departure from traditional notions of divine right monarchy and absolute sovereignty. His assertion that individuals possess inherent natural rights and that governments derive legitimacy from the consent of the governed has been foundational for modern democratic thought. Locke’s writings emphasize that political authority must serve the protection of natural rights, and that citizens have the right—and duty—to overthrow governments that fail to uphold these rights.

Natural Rights and the State of Nature

In Locke’s philosophy, the "state of nature" is a condition where humans are free and equal, endowed with rights derived from natural law. Locke famously states that in this state, every person has the right to preserve their life, liberty, and estate. This natural right also includes the authority to judge and punish breaches of natural law, even to the extent of executing offenders in heinous crimes. However, Locke emphasizes that the enjoyment of natural rights is often insecure in the state of nature because there is no impartial authority to enforce laws or resolve disputes fairly. Consequently, humans are motivated to establish civil society for mutual security.

This transition from the state of nature to civil society involves individuals surrendering their natural power to a collective authority that enforces laws impartial to all. Locke clarifies that this is not a relinquishing of natural rights but a strategic pooling of authority to protect individual rights more effectively. Here, the role of government is to act as a trustee for the people’s rights, ensuring justice and security for all.

The Formation and Limitations of Government

Locke advocates for a government formed by the consent of the governed, where laws are made for the common good and respect individual rights. Importantly, he underscores that the legislative power must be limited and derive its authority from the people, not from divine right or arbitrary power. Locke warns that any attempt by lawmakers or rulers to seize absolute authority—such as destroying property rights or enslaving the populace—constitutes a breach of trust and is equivalent to a state of war against the people.

When governments breach their trust by tyranny, arbitrary rule, or corruption, Locke asserts that the people are justified in resisting and even overthrowing such regimes. This is grounded in the natural law obligation to preserve oneself and one’s rights. The right to revolution is a central component of Locke’s political theory, enabling societies to correct injustices and re-establish legitimate authority based on consent.

The Right to Revolution and Its Conditions

For Locke, revolution is justified under specific conditions: when the government consistently prevaricates, violates natural rights, and endeavors to consolidate power arbitrarily. Locke emphasizes that revolutions are not to be undertaken capriciously but as a response to a long train of abuses and usurpations that make the original design of government unrecognizable. The people’s ability to resist tyranny ensures that government remains a servant, not a master, accountable to those it governs.

This view transformed political thought by establishing that sovereignty ultimately resides with the people, and governmental power is conditional, revocable, and non-absolute. His emphasis on individual rights and the legitimacy of resistance influenced subsequent declarations of independence and constitutional governance.

Conclusion

Locke’s "Two Treatises of Government" laid the groundwork for modern notions of democracy, individual liberty, and the legal limits on state power. His conviction that government’s primary purpose is to protect natural rights and that citizens have a right to overthrow governments that violate this trust continues to influence political systems worldwide. As society faces contemporary challenges—such as authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights violations—Locke's ideas remain vital for advocating government accountability and the enduring importance of consent and individual rights in political life.

References

• Locke, J. (1690). Two Treatises of Government. (C. B. Macpherson, Ed.). Hackett Publishing Company.
• Tuckness, A. (2014). Locke's Two Treatises of Government. In The Oxford Handbook of Lockean Political Philosophy. Oxford University Press.
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