Thursday, October 1, 2009

John Locke's Second Treatise, of Civil Government

I think that Locke's Second Treatise of Government is an important part of America's politics, and has been very influential throughout the history of United States politics. His writing is very democratic.

He pretty much decides to create laws in order to keep morality in society. The people give up some natural rights in order to enter into a or social compact. In this society Locke basically says that people have to submit their natural freedoms to the common laws and then if they do that they get government protection. Allows people to take control if the government doesn't represent the people correctly. Gives the people some authority and the right to take control if they are not treated right.

Locke tries to argue against unjust governments. I find Locke kind of negative because he thinks that all people are bad, he gives no chance to let people be wholly good. Locke ideas are kind of a forceful way to make people respect the law but in fear. He thinks that government is only necessary because there are bad people. He also notes that there must be a higher power over everything.



1 comment:

  1. Nicely done. It is clear that you read Locke with understanding and gave the ideas some thought. How do you think the people should take the power back from government? Did we have the right to declare independence? 10/10

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