Two Treatises of Government

Main Ideas

• Theory of the State of Nature: Locke describes the state of nature as a condition of equality and freedom, where people have natural rights to life, liberty, and property.
• Social Contract Theory: Locke argues that government is created through a social contract to protect natural rights, and its power is limited by the consent of the governed.
• Right to Resistance: Locke believes that citizens have the right to resist and overthrow the government if it violates their natural rights.
• Separation of Powers: Locke emphasizes the importance of dividing power into legislative, executive, and federative branches to prevent abuse of power.
• Theory of Property: Locke asserts that property arises from labor, and everyone has the right to own what they have produced or improved through their work.
• Limitation of Monarchical Power: Locke critiques absolute monarchy and advocates for limiting the ruler's power through laws and institutions.
• Importance of Consent: Locke highlights that the legitimacy of government is based on the consent of the governed, and without this consent, power becomes tyrannical.