Two Treatises of Government

Definition

Two Treatises of Government is a work by John Locke, published in 1689, that outlines his political philosophy and the principles of government. The first treatise critiques the concept of the divine right of kings, while the second establishes the idea of natural rights and the social contract, significantly influencing Enlightenment thought and democratic governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Locke's Two Treatises of Government challenged existing political theories by arguing against the divine right of kings and supporting the idea that government derives its power from the consent of the governed.
2. The second treatise introduced the concept of natural rights, positing that all individuals have inherent rights that cannot be surrendered or taken away.
3. Locke's ideas in the Two Treatises were foundational for later democratic revolutions, particularly influencing the American and French Revolutions.
4. The work laid the groundwork for modern liberal democracy by advocating for a government that is accountable to the people and designed to protect individual rights.
5. Locke's belief in the right to revolt against oppressive governments inspired many political movements and documents, including the Declaration of Independence.

Review Questions

• How do Locke's arguments in the Two Treatises of Government challenge traditional views on monarchy?
  • Locke's Two Treatises of Government directly challenges traditional views on monarchy by arguing against the divine right of kings. He contends that rulers must obtain consent from the governed to legitimize their power. This revolutionary idea laid the foundation for modern democratic principles, emphasizing that authority should not be based on hereditary privilege but rather on the will of the people.
• In what ways did Locke's concept of natural rights influence Enlightenment thinkers and later democratic movements?
  • Locke's concept of natural rights significantly influenced Enlightenment thinkers by providing a framework that emphasized individual liberty and equality. His assertion that individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and property resonated with other philosophers like Rousseau and Montesquieu. This idea became a cornerstone for various democratic movements, particularly evident in documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, highlighting its enduring impact on political thought.
• Evaluate how Locke's views on government and individual rights in Two Treatises of Government contributed to the emergence of modern political ideologies.
  • Locke's views articulated in Two Treatises of Government were crucial in shaping modern political ideologies by promoting principles such as individual rights and government accountability. His belief that governments should protect citizens' natural rights laid the foundation for liberalism, which champions personal freedoms and limited government intervention. The emphasis on social contracts and just governance influenced not only liberal thought but also various movements advocating for democracy, human rights, and constitutional governance worldwide, signaling a shift toward valuing individual autonomy over authoritarian rule.

Related terms

Social Contract: A theory that individuals consent to form a society and create a government, agreeing to follow its laws in exchange for protection of their rights.

Natural Rights: Rights that individuals possess inherently, such as life, liberty, and property, which governments are created to protect.

Divine Right of Kings: A political doctrine that asserts a monarch's right to rule is granted directly by God, making their authority unquestionable.