Final answer:
John Locke was an English philosopher who wrote the 'Second Treatise of Government' and supported popular sovereignty, the idea that natural law is divine, and that government cannot infringe on the rights to life, property, and liberty.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics mentioned in the student's question can be matched to the English philosopher John Locke. Locke was a significant figure in the era of Enlightenment and provided foundational thoughts that shaped modern democracy. He is known for his work 'Two Treatises of Government', where the Second Treatise of Government is particularly influential.
- Wrote the Second Treatise on Government: John Locke
- Supported the concept of popular sovereignty: John Locke
- Believed that natural law was given to humans by God: John Locke
- Maintained that the government cannot block a citizen’s rights to life, property, and liberty: John Locke
Locke argued for the notion of a social contract and held that the government exists only by the consent of the people, to protect their natural rights. These ideas were revolutionary and influenced many future democratic societies and frameworks, including the U.S. Constitution.