Two Treatises

Definition

Two Treatises of Government is a work of political philosophy written by John Locke, published in 1689, that outlines his theories regarding the nature of government and the rights of individuals. The first treatise critiques the divine right of kings, while the second articulates the concept of natural rights and the social contract, significantly influencing political thought during and after the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Two Treatises was written during a time of political upheaval in England, particularly during the aftermath of the English Civil War.
2. Locke's ideas in the Two Treatises helped to justify the Glorious Revolution by arguing against absolute monarchy and advocating for government based on consent.
3. The first treatise dismantles the notion of the divine right of kings by refuting Robert Filmer's arguments supporting it.
4. In the second treatise, Locke introduces the idea that government exists to protect individual rights and that people have the right to overthrow a government that fails to do so.
5. Locke's work laid the groundwork for modern democratic thought and influenced many Enlightenment thinkers, shaping future political revolutions and liberal ideologies.

Review Questions

• How does Locke's critique of the divine right of kings in his first treatise contribute to our understanding of political authority?
  • In his first treatise, Locke argues against the divine right of kings by exposing its flaws and inconsistencies. He contends that no monarch has an inherent right to rule simply by virtue of being appointed by God. This critique shifts the perspective on political authority from one based on hereditary power to one founded on rational justification and consent from the governed, laying important groundwork for democratic principles.
• In what ways do Locke's concepts of natural rights and social contract influence modern governance as discussed in his second treatise?
  • Locke's second treatise emphasizes that natural rights—life, liberty, and property—must be protected by any legitimate government. He introduces the social contract as an agreement whereby individuals consent to form a government that safeguards these rights. This framework has had a lasting impact on modern governance, as it establishes a foundation for democratic systems where governmental authority is derived from the people's consent rather than divine decree.
• Evaluate how Locke's Two Treatises contributed to both the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution in terms of changing political ideologies.
  • Locke's Two Treatises played a crucial role in shaping political ideologies during both the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution by advocating for limited government and individual rights. His arguments against absolute monarchy resonated with those seeking change during the Civil War, providing a philosophical basis for rebellion against tyrannical rule. Later, during the Glorious Revolution, his ideas legitimized the overthrow of King James II by reinforcing that governance should be based on consent and protect individual rights. This ultimately led to constitutional changes in England and influenced liberal democratic thought across Europe.

Related terms

Natural Rights: Rights inherent to all individuals, including life, liberty, and property, that are central to Locke's philosophy in the second treatise.

Social Contract: An agreement among individuals to form a government that protects their natural rights, foundational to Locke's arguments about legitimate political authority.

Divine Right of Kings: A political doctrine that asserts that a monarch's right to rule comes directly from God, which Locke criticizes in his first treatise.