John Locke, Second Treatise on Government (1690).

John Locke, Second Treatise on Government (1690).

John Locke was an Oxford scholar, medical researcher and physician, political operative, economist and ideologue for a revolutionary movement, as well as being one of the great philosophers of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth century. Locke’s Two Treatises of Civil Government were published after the Glorious Revolution of 1688 brought William of Orange and Mary to the throne, but they were written in the throes of the Whig revolutionary plots against Charles II in the early 1680s. In this work Locke gives us a theory of natural law and natural rights which he uses to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate civil governments, and to argue for the legitimacy of revolt against tyrannical governments.

These, then, become important to the ideas behind the establishment of the United States. Take a look at three sections of his Second Treatise on Government and compare them to the ideals that were to later develop in the United States.

Read these excerpts from John Locke then answer the following question as a complete essay. Upload your completed assignment as a .txt or .doc file or type it in the text entry field.

Locke Chapter 2Preview the documentView in a new window

In chapter 2 of Locke’s Second Treatise, he mentions that all men are in a state of perfect freedom and a state of equality. How does this compare with Jefferson’s statement of inalienable rights in the Declaration of Independence? How is it different?

Locke Chapter 5Preview the documentView in a new window

In chapter 5, Locke makes a case for the necessity of private property. What is the importance of private property to the citizens of the U.S.? How does Locke’s understanding of private property spark the American ideal and eventual break from Great Britain?

Locke Chapter 8Preview the documentView in a new window

Chapter 8 is a summary of some earlier ideas, expressed in an exceedingly important way. What does Locke mean by the “consent” of the individual? What does he say about “majority rule”? What does he mean by “this original compact”? What is the role of the consent of individuals in forming a community?
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