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Locke's Philosophy and American Independence

Apr 9, 2025

Lecture Notes: John Locke's Second Treatise of Civil Government & The Declaration of Independence

Key Excerpts and Ideas

John Locke, Second Treatise of Civil Government (1690)

  • Sec. 4:
    • Men are naturally in a state of perfect freedom.
    • The state of equality where power is reciprocal, no one has more power than another.
  • Sec. 6:
    • Liberty is not license; man has liberty but not to destroy self or others without a nobler reason.
  • Sec. 22:
    • Natural liberty is freedom from superior power, governed only by natural law.
    • In society, liberty means being under no legislative power but that established by common consent.
  • Sec. 87:
    • Man has natural rights to life, liberty, and property.
    • Civil society requires a common law and authority to resolve disputes and punish offenses.
  • Sec. 124:
    • The chief end of government is the preservation of property.
  • Sec. 222:
    • When legislators destroy property or impose arbitrary power, people may resist and form a new government.

Declaration of Independence (1776)

  • Main Ideas:
    • Asserts the right of people to dissolve political ties when governments fail to protect rights.
    • Declares that all men are created equal with unalienable rights: Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
    • Governments derive powers from the consent of the governed.
    • If a government becomes destructive, people have the right to alter or abolish it.

Comparison: Locke's Treatise vs. Declaration of Independence

  1. Common Ideas/Principles:

    • Natural rights are fundamental and cannot be taken away.
    • Government's role is to protect these rights.
    • Consent of the governed is necessary for just government.
    • People have the right to change or remove a government that fails its duties.
  2. Natural Condition of Mankind:

    • Locke: People are naturally free and equal.
    • Declaration: All men are created equal with rights.
  3. Purpose of Government:

    • Locke: To preserve life, liberty, and property.
    • Declaration: To secure unalienable rights.
  4. Consent of the Governed:

    • Locke: Essential for legitimate legislative power.
    • Declaration: Government derives its powers from the people's consent.

Critical Thinking Questions

  • Analyze the philosophical underpinnings of both texts.
  • Discuss the impact of Locke’s ideas on the Declaration.
  • Reflect on the implications of these principles in today's governance.

Note:

  • Spelling, spacing, and punctuation in the excerpts have been adjusted for clarity.