John Locke (1632–1704) – Key Points Books: Two treatise of governement,(1689), The letter on
tolerance(1667)
Background
Born in Somerset, England.
Philosopher and political thinker; supported constitutionalism.
Opposed absolute monarchy.
Active during the English Civil War.
Advocated for parliamentary supremacy.
Worked against the divine right of kings.
His ideas influenced the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
Went into exile in Holland; connected with William of Orange.
Returned to England after the revolution and held public positions until retirement in 1704.
Locke’s Social Contract Theory
Hobbes’ social contract theory explained the origin of the state in terms of social contract between
man and society.
Hobbes used his theory to justify unlimited political authority of the sovereign.
Locke’s social contract theory was used to justify limited government and constitutionalism.
Locke’s social contract theory comprises the following points:
Locke’s rejection of Hobbesian theory.
Locke’s perception about the state of nature.
Locke’s perception of human nature.
Locke’s view on the formation of the contract.
Locke’s advocacy of constitutional government.
Locke’s Perception of Human Nature
Locke rejected Hobbesian perception of human nature.
Hobbes had described man as egoistic, self-interested, and aggressive.
Locke perceived man as a rational and moral being, capable of living together, respecting laws,
and cooperating with others.
According to Locke, man is capable of forming a civil society to protect life, liberty, and property.
Locke’s perception was optimistic and humanistic.
Locke’s experience of the English Revolution influenced his views.
Unlike Hobbes, Locke believed man’s nature was not a hindrance to the establishment of society.
Locke’s Perception about State of Nature
According to Locke, the State of Nature was pre-political but not pre-social.
There was no political authority.
State of Nature was a state of equality and all people were free.
It was peaceful, with moral laws as the object of human conduct.
People had the right to life, liberty, and property.
Rights existed before the creation of the state.
Problems arose when some people violated others’ rights, creating the need for a government.
People consented to form a political society and government to protect rights.
Locke saw the state as a result of rational cooperation for mutual benefit.
Locke’s Views on the Nature of the Contract
Purpose of the Social Contract
Formed to protect and preserve natural rights: life, liberty, and property.
State created to ensure order, stability, and mutual benefit.
Features of Locke’s Social Contract
1. Two Contracts
First: Individuals agree to form a political/cvivil society (the state).
Second: Society establishes a government to manage the state.
2. Contract was Specific, not General.
Individuals gave up only the right to interpret and enforce the laws of nature, not all rights.
3. No Absolute Sovereign
Sovereignty belongs to the community, not a single ruler.
Government is entrusted with certain powers to protect the people’s rights.
4. Sovereignty of the Community (People)
The supreme power created by the contract rests with the people collectively.
5. Natural Right
Even after forming a state, individuals retain natural rights.
6. Binding Contract
Government formed by consent; cannot be altered without people’s agreement.
7. Irrevocable Contract
Once the contract is made with consent, it cannot be taken back by the ruler without public
agreement.
Locke’s Views About State and Government
1. Distinction Between State and Government
The state is the permanent political society; the government is the temporary agent of the state.
2. Right to Revolt Against the Government
If the government fails to protect rights or acts against public interest, people have the right to
replace it.
3. Emphasis on Popular Sovereignty
Government authority comes from the consent of the governed.
If governement fails, then people have right of revolution.
4. Limited Government
Favored division of powers and placing checks on government authority.
Opposed absolute sovereignty; believed in constitutional limitations.
Following are the limitations:
Government;
1. Could not voilate the natural right of people.
2. Will work for public interest.
3. Could not govern arbitrarily.
4. Must govern according to the law.
5. Could not tac individual with out their consent.
6. Source of power is people.
7. Law of government should conform with laws of nature.
5. Majority rule – Locke believed in majority rule, not minority. Law of nature could not be enforced
without majority consent.
6. Constitutional state – Locke emphasized the relationship between people and government,
asserting that the state is formed on the basis of a social contract to protect life, liberty, and property.
Locke’s Advocacy of Limited and Constitutional Government
Locke advocated for limited government to safeguard liberty.
He supported constitutionalism to ensure the government remains within its proper bounds.
Functions of Government
To protect the people’s rights to life, liberty, and property.
To promote public good and welfare.
To rule according to the laws of nature.
Limitations on Powers of Government
Government’s power is limited to public interest.
Sovereignty rests with the community, not with the ruler. Other limitations are mentioned above.
