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Which of the following American political practices BEST exemplifies John Locke’s principle of consent of the governed?

freedom of speech
appointment of judges
election of public officials
selection of party leadership

1 Answer

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When Locke discusses political consentment he is talking about legitimacy of the government. The option that best describes this is the election of public officials.

Consent of the governed means that a government is legitimate only when it is based on the will and consent of the people. John Locke's idea of consent followed from his belief that people are born equally and with natural rights. If one is to be governed, it can only be with his/her consent.

Freedom of speech, appointment of judges and selection of party leadership are democratic rights that serve to create conditions for democratic political competition and government, and for the exercise of basic political rights. They are not directly related to the idea of consent as election of public officials is.

User Michael Bullock
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