Two Treatises of Government Summary | Chapterly
Two Treatises of Government by John Locke: A Complete Summary "The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom." Overview Two Treatises of Government (1689) is the foundation of liberal political philosophy. John Locke argues that legitimate government derives from the consent of the governed, that individuals possess natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and that people may overthrow governments that violate these rights. Written to justify England's Glorious Revolution of 1688, Locke's work profoundly influenced the American Founding Fathers and remains essential to understanding modern democracy. The First Treatise: Against Divine Right Locke refutes Robert Filmer's claim that kings rule by divine right inherited from Adam. No scriptural or logical basis exists for absolute monarchy. The Second Treatise: True Government The State of Nature Before government, humans lived in a "state of nature" - free, equal, and governed only by natural law (reason): "A state of perfect freedom to order their actions... as they think fit, within the bounds of the law of nature." Unlike Hobbes, Locke sees the state of nature as generally peaceful, not a war of all against all. Natural Rights Humans possess inherent rights that precede government:...