Two Treatises of Government

Definition

The Two Treatises of Government, written by John Locke in 1689, is a foundational text in political philosophy that outlines the principles of individual rights, government legitimacy, and the social contract. It consists of two parts: the first challenges the idea of absolute monarchy, while the second articulates Locke's views on civil society and governance based on natural rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Locke's Two Treatises challenged the prevailing belief in the divine right of kings by asserting that government authority must be derived from the consent of the governed.
2. In the first treatise, Locke argues against Robert Filmer's defense of absolute monarchy, emphasizing that no one has a natural right to rule over others without consent.
3. The second treatise outlines the concept of natural rights and states that individuals have the right to overthrow a government that fails to protect those rights.
4. Locke's ideas laid the groundwork for modern liberal democracy by advocating for individual freedoms and limited government powers.
5. The influence of the Two Treatises extended beyond Locke's time, significantly impacting revolutionary movements, particularly during the American and French Revolutions.

Review Questions

• How does Locke's argument in the Two Treatises challenge the concept of absolute monarchy?
  • Locke's Two Treatises directly confronts absolute monarchy by arguing that legitimate government is based on the consent of the governed rather than divine right. In the first treatise, he dismantles Filmer's justification for monarchial rule, highlighting that no individual inherently possesses authority over another. This laid the foundation for modern political thought that values democracy and personal freedom.
• What role do natural rights play in Locke's vision of civil society as presented in the Two Treatises?
  • Natural rights are central to Locke's vision of civil society in the Two Treatises. He asserts that every individual has inherent rights to life, liberty, and property. The purpose of forming a government is to protect these rights. If a government fails to uphold its responsibility or violates these rights, citizens are justified in revolting against it. This framework emphasizes individual freedom and establishes limits on governmental power.
• Evaluate how Locke’s Two Treatises influenced modern democratic thought and practice.
  • Locke’s Two Treatises significantly influenced modern democratic thought by promoting ideas such as individual rights, the social contract, and limited government. His assertion that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed laid a foundation for democratic principles. This influence can be seen in both the American Declaration of Independence and the French Revolution’s Declaration of Rights, where his concepts were used to justify revolutions against tyranny and promote governance based on popular sovereignty.

Related terms

Natural Rights: Fundamental rights inherent to all individuals, including life, liberty, and property, which are central to Locke's philosophy and serve as the basis for legitimate government.

Social Contract: An implicit agreement among individuals to form a government that protects their natural rights, which is key to Locke's political theory as presented in his treatises.

Consent of the Governed: The principle that a government's legitimacy comes from the consent of its citizens, which is a critical aspect of Locke's argument against tyranny and for democratic governance.