John Locke: Detailed Political Thought
Notes (CSS Political Science)
1. View of Human Nature
"Men being... by nature, all free, equal, and independent." — Second Treatise of Government
Locke viewed human beings as inherently rational, peaceful, and capable of coexisting.
Unlike Hobbes' pessimism, Locke believed people are born with reason and morality, able
to differentiate right from wrong. In his state of nature, individuals are not chaotic but
follow natural law, which is derived from reason. He emphasized that each person is equal
and has self-ownership: no one is born with a natural right to rule over others.
2. State of Nature
"The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it, which obliges every one."
Locke’s state of nature is a hypothetical condition where no political authority exists. Unlike
Hobbes' version, this state is peaceful, ordered, and guided by natural law. People live in
freedom and equality but face inconveniences: no common lawmaker, no impartial judge,
no enforcement of laws. These limitations create insecurity in property rights, leading
people to form governments to enforce natural law.
3. Natural Rights: Life, Liberty, and Property
"The great and chief end of men's uniting into commonwealths... is the preservation of their
property."
Locke believed that every individual is born with natural rights: Life (personal safety),
Liberty (freedom under law), and Property (ownership of land and wealth). These rights are
inalienable and precede the existence of the state. The government is formed to protect
these rights, and any violation by rulers constitutes a breach of the contract.
4. Social Contract
"Men being... by nature, all free... agree to join and unite into a community."
Locke’s social contract is not absolute like Hobbes'. Individuals voluntarily form society and
entrust power to a government for the protection of their rights. This contract is conditional
—the government must fulfill its duty. If the contract is broken, legitimacy is lost, and
people can resist.
5. Government by Consent & Limited Government
"No one can be subjected to the political power of another without his own consent."
Locke advocated for a government limited by law and accountable to the people.
Government must operate with the consent of the governed and act for the public good. He
opposed absolute monarchy and supported constitutional rule based on separation of
powers.
6. Right to Revolution
"The people shall be the judge... whether they have just cause to make their appeal to heaven."
Locke argued that if a ruler violates the natural rights of citizens, the people have a right and
duty to resist. This right to revolution supports overthrowing tyrannical governments and
justifies resistance movements.
Relevance of John Locke to Modern
Political Systems (Expanded)
Foundation of Liberal Democracy
John Locke is widely regarded as the founder of liberal political theory. His ideas form the
intellectual bedrock of modern constitutional democracies. He introduced the principles of
popular sovereignty, natural rights, limited government, and the separation of powers.
These ideas became central to liberal democracy, where government power is derived from
the consent of the governed, not divine right.
Examples: The United Kingdom’s constitutional monarchy evolved after the Glorious
Revolution in line with Locke’s ideas. Modern democracies like Canada, India, and Australia
operate under constitutions that ensure limited government and individual rights.
Influence on Major Revolutions
Locke’s writings influenced revolutionary movements that overthrew oppressive rule and
established democracies. He argued that if a government violates natural rights, the people
have the right to revolt.
Examples: The American Declaration of Independence (1776) by Jefferson was directly
inspired by Locke’s theories. Similarly, the French Revolution’s Declaration of the Rights of
Man echoed Locke's ideas of liberty, equality, and popular consent.
Human Rights and Rule of Law
Locke’s belief in inalienable natural rights and a rational legal framework greatly influenced
human rights and rule of law frameworks. He argued that laws must exist to protect
individual liberty and property, not to serve rulers.
Examples: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) reflects Locke’s thinking.
Legal systems in democracies emphasize fair trial, due process, and protection from
arbitrary arrest—all Lockean ideas.
Government Accountability
Locke emphasized that government must be accountable to the people and limited by law.
He rejected absolute monarchy and favored constitutionalism and rule of law.
Examples: Modern electoral democracies conduct regular elections to ensure accountability.
The principle of separation of powers, adopted worldwide, ensures that government
institutions check and balance each other. Judicial review, where courts nullify
unconstitutional actions, reflects Locke’s belief in legal limits to state power.
Right to Protest and Civil Disobedience
Locke justified peaceful resistance and civil disobedience when governments violate natural
rights. This concept has inspired freedom movements and resistance to tyranny across the
globe.
Examples: Martin Luther King Jr. used Lockean principles in the U.S. civil rights movement.
The anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and
Myanmar echo Locke’s belief in the right to resist injustice.
