Summary Of John Locke's Second Treatise On Government

At the crux of Locke’s Second Treatise on Government is the idea that there is a natural law under which we all fall under, but in order to ensure these freedoms are protected from exploitation we create societies and governments. However, there is some grey area when it comes to determining whether or not a person has given consent to the government, and at what point the governmental system crosses the line in exercising its power and thereby loses its legitimacy and can rightfully be dissolved. In order to provide some elucidation on this matter, Locke provides background about the laws of nature and how governments have legitimately been formed historically and at what point a person can legitimately consent to a government. He then goes on …show more content…
Until that person no longer reaps benefits of this society, that is to say he no longer owns property there or no longer earns a wage there, he is subject to the laws set forth by those in power (Chapter 8, p. 153). As Locke continues his discussion about civil governments and the extent of their power, he makes it evident that there is a limitation on the powers given to those in power to preserve the rights of the individuals. If people begin to feel these rights are violated, they are free to leave and become members of a different society. If the government extends their power so much so that they become tyrannical and oppress the people they should be protecting, as was seen in the early 20th century when Czarist Russia restricted democratic representation and civil liberties to maintain sole authority, Locke would argue there is grounds for that government to be dissolved. Governments are given their power by the people, so when it stops serving the people, they have the right to take that power away from