John Locke's Solution to the State of Nature

Introduction

• The state of nature is a perfect state of freedom.
• Problems arise in the state of nature, leading to war, death, and loss of property.
• John Locke addresses these issues in his "Second Treatise of Government."

Key Concepts

State of Nature

• Men naturally exist in a state of nature, which equates to perfect freedom.
• The state of nature is unstable and often devolves into war.

Locke's Solution: Civil Society

• God intended man to live in society.
• Men create a social contract to avoid war and protect natural rights.
• Entering civil society involves surrendering some natural rights for civil rights.

Benefits of Civil Society

1. Established Laws
   • Provides a known and settled legal system.
2. Impartial Judgement
   • Offers a fair and unbiased judge for disputes.
3. Execution of Laws
   • Power to enforce laws and sentences.

Structure of Government

Political Power

• Defined as the right to make and enforce laws for public good.
• Divided into:
  1. Legislative Power
     • Create, alter, or repeal laws.
     • Must apply laws equally, for the public good, and with consent for taxes.
  2. Executive Power
     • Enforce laws and interpret for current circumstances.
  3. Federative Power
     • Handle foreign affairs and policy.

Choice of Government

• People choose their form of government (democracy, oligarchy, monarchy).
• Majority rule is practical and necessary.

Limits and Responsibilities

• Government must protect society and preserve welfare.
• If it fails, it results in tyranny and state of war against the people.
• Tyranny is the use of power for personal gain, not public good.

Right to Revolution

• People can remove a tyrannical government.
• Justified only against unjust and unlawful force.

Application of Locke's Ideas

• Thomas Jefferson applied Locke's ideas in the American Revolution.
• The Declaration of Independence addressed the tyranny of the King of England.

Conclusion

• Government legitimacy depends on serving the people's good.
• Protecting rights and ending state of war are primary roles.

Reflection

• Discussion on the application of Locke's ideas in history (e.g. American colonies).

Call to Action

• Encouragement to engage with and share historical narratives.