Question

But though men, when they enter into society give up the equality, liberty, and executive power they had in the state of Nature into the hands of society…the power of the society or legislative constituted by them can never be supposed to extend farther than the common good…. Whoever has the legislature or supreme power of any commonwealth, is bound to govern by established standing laws, promulgated and known to the people, and not by extemporary decrees, by…upright judges, who are too decide controversies by those laws; and to employ the force of the community at home only in the execution of such laws; and to employ the force of the community at home only in the execution of such laws, or abroad to prevent or redress foreign injuries and secure the community from inroads and invasion. And all this is to be directed to no other end but the peace, safety, and public good of the people.

The reason why men enter into society is the preservation of their property; and the end while they choose and authorize a legislative is that there may be laws made, and rules set, as guards and fences to the properties of all the society…

Whensoever, therefore, the legislative shall transgress this fundamental rule of society, and either by ambition, fear, folly, or corruption, endeavor to grasp themselves, or put into the hands of any other, an absolute power over the lives, liberties, and estates of the people, by this breach of trust they forfeit the power the people had put into their hands for quite contrary ends, and it devolves to the people; who have a right to resume their original liberty, and by the establishment of a new legislative (such as they shall think fit), provide for their own safety and security…


Questions: 1. Summarize the text in your own words. 2. According to Locke, why do people form governments? 3. When people enter a society, what do they give up? 4. Do you agree with John Locke? Why or why not

Answer 1

Summary: John Locke's text emphasizes the social contract theory, stating that individuals relinquish certain natural rights when entering society, establishing governments for protection and preservation of property.

How to explain

Purpose of Governments: Locke posits that people form governments to safeguard their property and secure their rights. They entrust authorities with legislative power to create laws aimed at preserving and protecting individual property within society.

Sacrifices in Society: Upon entering society, individuals surrender their absolute liberty, equality, and executive power from the state of nature to the community or government established by mutual agreement.

Personal Opinion: [Response varies based on individual perspective and beliefs.] Some may agree with Locke, seeing the importance of governments in protecting rights and maintaining order, while others might have reservations or offer nuanced perspectives on the balance between individual liberties and government authority in modern contexts.