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Loyno POLS A231 - Questions re John Locke-2

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1Loyola University New Orleans Department of Political Science / College of Social Sciences HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT, PART IIPOLS-A231-051, Spring 2015, M W 4:55 p.m. - 6:10 p.m.Study Questions on John Locke in Great Political Thinkers, Ebenstein & Ebenstein1. How did political upheaval in late 18th century England influence Locke’s political thinking, especially as expressed in the Two Treatises on Government?The spirit of rational liberalism: establishing first constitutional monarchy. The British system of today is descendant from the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Upheaval led to his exile in Holland, where he was captivated by the spirit of freedom and manliness. Being in Holland showed Locke liberalism in religion and politics could work, reinforcing his determination to help rid England of the illiberal government of Charles II. Two Treatises’ purpose was to provide the intellectual armory for the planned revolutionary overthrow of Charles II, but revolution had occurred while he was in exile. Locke argued that his book attacked despotism and justified its overthrow by revolution. 2. What are some of the key differences between Hobbes’s sketch of the state of nature and Locke’s sketch ofthe state of nature?Hobbes’ state of nature: humans are by nature equal in faculties of the body and mind. Since all are equal, they are constantly in competition with one another. Every person has the natural right to do whatever they must to protectthemselves. There is no law except for certain natural precepts discovered by reason. State of nature exists at all times over independent countries, over whom there is no law except for those discovered through reason.Locke’s state of nature: State of nature has a law of nature to govern it: reason. Man has freedom to order his actions, dispose of possessions. Reasons teaches no one ought to harm another’s life, liberty, or property. Consequences will come to those who do: authority to overthrow despotic government. 3. Describe the process Locke lays out wherein people choose to move from a state of nature to submission to a government.Moving from the state of nature to a sense of community, or society, leads to submission of government. After society is set up by contract, government is established, not by a contract but by fiduciary trust. In government there are only two parties to the trust: the people, and the legislature. In his conception of government as trust, only the people have rights. 4. What is Locke’s definition of understanding of a commonwealth?For Locke, commonwealth is a community, existing for the good of all, regardless of the form of government. When individuals entering a community, the majority can choose their form of government. 5. What are the chief purposes (“ends”) of government, according to Locke? What are the key limits to government, according to Locke?2The purposes of government is to protect life, liberty, and property. Government exists solely for the wellbeing of the commonwealth. Locke stresses the importance of “promulgated established laws” that apply equally to everyone put in place by the legislative body to keep members of society in place. Locke recognized that terms should have limits, and legislature does not always have to be in session. Executive, however, must always be active. Therefore, executive and legislative should remain separate. 6. Discuss Locke’s views on the right to rebel against a seated government.When government violates individual rights, the people may legitimately rebel. The community is alwaysthe supreme power. People have power to remove or alter the legislation the way they see fit.


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