Final answer:
Locke advocated for the separation of powers into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent abuse of power, with legislative authority being supreme. He introduced the idea of prerogative for the executive to act discretionarily for the public good when the law is inadequate.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Locke's idea of the separation of powers advanced the concept that the legislative, executive, and judicial functions of government should be divided among separate and independent branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power. He proposed this model to protect the rights of citizens and to promote effective governance.
Locke considered the legislative power to be supreme because it holds the authority to create laws that reflect the will of the people. However, he also asserted the importance of the executive power, responsible for enforcing and administering the law, and the judicial power, for interpreting the law. In Locke's framework, the prerogative of the ruler or executive was an essential aspect, referring to the power to act according to discretion for the public good, even without the explicit permission of the law or against it in cases where the law is silent or insufficient.
This concept of prerogative was intended to ensure that the executive could respond effectively to unforeseen circumstances for the benefit of society. Despite the necessary checks and balances, the executive power held a unique position in being able to act for the greater good when rapid or novel solutions were required, highlighting Locke's nuanced understanding of governance.