To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”
Save to my list
Remove from my list
The excerpt we recently examined is from John Locke's "Second Treatise of Civil Government," which was published anonymously in 1689. In this work, Locke explores political philosophy by addressing civil society, natural rights, and the division of powers. Known for his influence on empirical philosophy, Locke argued that individuals do not possess inherent knowledge but acquire understanding through personal experiences and observations.
Locke discusses the importance of separating powers to avoid concentration in one person (the King), as this can lead to the temptation to use them for personal satisfaction.
He asserts that individuals are not obligated to obey each other and emphasizes that all people are born free. Locke further explains that individuals have the power to act in ways that preserve themselves and others, while always adhering to the law of nature.
According to Locke, people have the power to overthrow an unjust king and choose their own governor based on the idea of equality. Locke believes that electing a governor should not be determined by the outdated concept of the 'great chain of being', but rather should be based on the people's choice.
Verified writer
Proficient in: Government
5 (876)
“ Have been using her for a while and please believe when I tell you, she never fail. Thanks Writer Lyla you are indeed awesome ”
An absolute monarch is considered illegitimate by Locke because all individuals are born equal. Locke identifies three fundamental rights for human beings as life, liberty, and property. These revolutionary ideas challenging royal authority were so dangerous that Locke had to publish his work anonymously.
Locke’s revolutionary ideas in the 17th century greatly impacted the thinking of his era, specifically influencing the Founding Fathers. His belief in the natural rights of individuals heavily influenced the wording of the American Declaration of Independence, where "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" were derived from Locke's own "Life, Liberty and Property".
For Locke, the Founding Fathers, and for us today, property is synonymous with happiness and liberty, as one would not be possible without the other. This interconnectedness highlights the dependency between natural rights.
The Founding Fathers recognized during the Revolutionary War that excessive taxation by a government infringes on the liberty of its citizens. They believed that taxes imposed without consent were a serious violation of freedom. Before Locke's writings, England had absolute monarchs like John in 1199, James I in 1603, and later James II in 1685. A civil war occurred during Charles I's reign from 1642 to 1651.
The aftermath of the Civil War resulted in the trial and execution of Charles I in 1649, as well as the exile of his son, Charles II. This led to Oliver Cromwell governing a Republic and becoming Lord Protector in 1653, starting 'the Protectorate'. Despite facing challenges from various parliaments, Cromwell remained in power until his death in 1658. In May 1660, parliament decided to restore England's government with a King, Lords, and Commons. Charles II was then declared king and made a triumphant return to London.
Under Charles II's rule, the Whig and Tory factions arose as opposing political parties, laying the foundation for future party politics. Despite their differences, both groups were loyal to the monarchy and often adopted each other's ideas. The Restoration of 1660 brought back a government structure that had previously been deemed inefficient, with a king trying to govern while parliament sought to supervise his administration. This setup inevitably led to tensions between the factions.
Following the death of Charles II in 1685, a civilian revolution took place with his brother James succeeding him as James II of England and VII of Scotland. James was recognized for advocating absolute monarchy and striving to grant religious freedom to his people, despite facing resistance from the English Parliament. Numerous political and religious leaders in Britain disapproved of him for being overly supportive of France, Catholicism, and authoritarian rule.
With tension rising due to the birth of a Catholic heir, nobles invited William III of Orange (who was his son-in-law and nephew) to invade England. James fled during the Glorious Revolution of 1688, giving up the throne. William of Orange and Mary II became co-rulers in 1689 as Protestants. Parliament passed the Bill of Rights, outlining the monarch's rights and duties.
William and Mary ruled together until 1694, when Mary passed away. After that, William governed alone until his death in 1702. Queen Anne, who was the daughter of James II and the final Stuart monarch, succeeded William III. Similar to Mary, Anne also followed the Protestant faith. In May 1707, England and Scotland were united through the Acts of Union to form the Kingdom of Great Britain; nevertheless, Scotland maintained its legal system and Presbyterian Church. Anne became the first sovereign of Great Britain. As all her children died before her, her cousin Sophia of Hanover was chosen as her heir.
Queen Anne and Sophia both died in the same year, leading to George of Hanover becoming George I of England. This transition highlighted the significance of majority rule in governance. The author discusses the key elements necessary for a successful civil society: a recognized legal system, impartial decision-making authority, and enforcement capabilities. He supports a government structure with distinct branches - a strong legislature and an executive branch that collaborates with lawmakers without overstepping their powers.
Locke's conclusion in the Treatise focuses on the creation of a fresh government. He asserts that if a government ceases to benefit its citizens, it can be dissolved or ousted and substituted. This dissolution allows for the chance for individuals to revamp the legislative body and institute a more suitable civil state. Locke maintains that this method avoids spontaneous disorder and uprisings by permitting tranquil modifications to laws and governmental frameworks through legal means.
John Locke's Influence on Political Philosophy and Revolutionary Ideas. (2016, Sep 27). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/analysis-and-historical-context-from-second-treatise-of-civil-government-by-john-locke-essay
👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!
Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.
get help with your assignment
