Summary
John Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" is a cornerstone of classical liberalism, offering a profound critique of absolute monarchy and laying the groundwork for modern democratic theory. The First Treatise is a detailed refutation of Sir Robert Filmer's "Patriarcha," which argued for the divine right of kings based on the biblical authority of Adam. Locke meticulously dismantles Filmer's patriarchal arguments, asserting that neither scripture nor reason supports the idea that political authority is derived from Adam and passed down through successive generations of male heirs.
In the Second Treatise, Locke shifts his focus to construct his own theory of government based on natural rights and the social contract. He begins by describing the state of nature, a condition of perfect freedom and equality governed by natural law, which dictates that no one ought to harm another in their life, health, liberty, or possessions. However, the state of nature lacks an established law, an impartial judge, and the power to enforce judgments, leading to inconveniences that make it desirable for individuals to form a political society.
Locke argues that legitimate government is founded on the consent of the governed, whereby individuals voluntarily give up some of their natural rights to a government that will protect their remaining rights and liberties. This social contract establishes a limited government with specific responsibilities to its citizens. Locke emphasizes that the legislative power is supreme, but it is not arbitrary. It is bound to govern by established laws, designed for the good of the people, and cannot take away a person's property without their consent. He advocates for a separation of powers, with distinct legislative and executive branches to prevent abuse of authority.
Locke also discusses the right of revolution, asserting that if a government fails to uphold its end of the social contract by infringing upon the rights of the people, the people have the right to alter or abolish it and establish a new government that will better protect their rights. This concept had a profound impact on the American and French Revolutions, providing a philosophical justification for resistance against oppressive regimes. Locke contrasts legitimate political power with paternal, and despotical power, clarifying the limited scope and distinct nature of each. Paternal power is temporary and for the child's benefit; despotical power is absolute and arbitrary, resulting from unjust war and forfeiture of rights.
The book concludes with an examination of conquest, usurpation, and tyranny, further distinguishing legitimate government from illegitimate forms of rule. Locke maintains that conquest alone does not establish a right to govern, and that governments based on force without consent are inherently unstable and unjust. "Two Treatises of Government" remains a seminal work in political philosophy, shaping discussions about individual rights, limited government, and the legitimacy of revolution, and continuing to influence political thought and movements around the world.