Second Treatise on Government
John Locke
1. How does John Locke describe the state of nature?
2. Why do people leave the state of nature and join a political society by establishing
a government?
3. Under what conditions can government be dissolved?
4. What are the three things of wanting in the state of nature?
5. Locke describes four bounds for the legislative powers of every government
briefly describe them.
Main Ideas
Main Argument and Locke’s Reasoning:
Individuals have the natural right to “life, liberty and property”
 “Natural rights” exist prior to entering into civil society or to
agreeing to be bound by the authority of government (individuals
have “natural rights” in a “state of nature”)
However, for protection of rights in a state of nature, “there are many things wanting”
 Individuals enter into society and consent to government in order
to protect rights. Legitimate government is based on consent, and
it remains legitimate only insofar as it furthers these ends
(protection of life, liberty and property)
Significance:
Foundation for U.S. Constitution: Locke’s work, with its emphasis on natural law
and natural rights, constitutes an important precursor to eighteenth-century beliefs in
reason and scientific progress.
The framers’ establishment of a constitutional democracy owes much to Locke.
Legislative Supremacy and the Right to Revolt
These premises (natural rights, consent) imply legislative supremacy (laws made
by representatives) if government violates the trust placed by the people, then “the people
shall judge.” (In other words, there is a right to revolution against illegitimate
government)
Vocabulary
Promulgate: to make know; disseminate
Viz- namely; that is to say