Second Treatise, Of Civil Government

1. Second Treatise, Of Civil Government John Locke 1690

2. Introduction • Rule of Law • Jefferson on the Declaration of Independence • Not to find our new principles • Place before men the common sense of the subject • Locke’s emphasis • Property rights • Right of the people to dissolve government

3. Summary • Man is born in a natural state of freedom • Each with an equal state of sovereignty • Abuse of freedom can hurt others • Government for the good of others • With the collective power to punish • Punishment should only be to correct • Punishment shouldbe equal

4. Summary • We are willing to give up freedom to preserve our property • Protecting property is the purpose for government • We need to establish law, but some will not follow • We need unbiased judges, but they have agendas too • We need authority, but it can be abused

5. Summary • Governments are born from our inability to live well • We all have the natural powers of preservation and punishment • We make laws together to preserve better • Working together gets more done • Keep it together, but enter into a new agreement if it makes life better

6. Summary • First, establish a legislative power that is under the rule of law as well • These are the rules for governing • Fairness • For all good • Consent for taxation • Public access

7. Summary • People can resist a legislative that works contrary to the rules • Our natural rights allow us to resist an oppressor • The people will judge if the government broke their trust • Individuals give up authority so long as the government is functioning, but if it does not they can replace it