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?- This is during the time of the Glorious Revolution, when James II was overthrown by a parliamentary group which named William and Mary the new leaders (still king and queen), but for the first time the people had rights under this system, making William and mary sort of puppet like rulers. The Bill of Rights was introduced under their rule as well. Locke says that his writings will justify the rule of the new King William. 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?- Locke says there has never been a divinely ordained monarch over the entire world, and the fact that the natural state of humanity is without an institutionalized government does not mean it is lawless. Human beings are still subject to the laws of God and nature. Locke says this state of nature exists today (in his time), in the area of international relations where there is no legitimate overarching government (one directly chosen by the people). He says the proper alternative to the state of nature is not an absolute monarchy, as Hobbes said, but a democratically elected government and the effective protection of basic human rights to life, liberty, and property under the rule of law. 3. Describe the process Locke lays out wherein people choose to move from a state of nature to submission to a government.- Locke says that one of the major reasons that people enter into a society is to avoid the state of war, for the presence of a supreme power limits the necessity for war and increases stability and security.- Also to establish and protect basic human rights4. What is Locke’s definition of understanding of a commonwealth?- When he says commonwealth, he does not necessarily mean democracy. Rather, he uses the term to reference community exists for the commonwealth, for the good of all. 25. What are the chief purposes (“ends”) of government, according to Locke? What are the key limits to government, according to Locke?- The legislature is created to make laws, but does not need to be in session at all times, this could lead to an abuse of power.- The executive does need to be active at all times because the laws the legislature pass must always be enforced.- International relations are a state of nature, and governed by natural law. - The people are still supreme over all of this, and have the power to alter or remove legislation.6. Discuss Locke’s views on the right to rebel against a seated government.- He says that when a state ceases to function for the people, it is dissolved, and may be replaced. This occurs when the legislative is changed or usurped by tyrannical power, when the legislature or executive breaches its trust, or when the executive ignores its own duties and renders the law meaningless, reducingsociety to chaos. - After the government is dissolved the people are free to create or reform a new civil state that works in their best interest before they fall under tyrannical rule. He says this system works because it allows the people to change to laws and they do not have to resort to violence to overthrow the government.