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John Locke: Does Government Function?

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Recommended: John locke second treatise of government essay

Marissa Frank
American Government
September 7, 2014 Locke, J. (2003). Second treatise of government. Ch 9-11. In M. McLean (Ed.).
Western civilization primary source reader, Vol II, (pp. 13-24). Boston, McGraw Hill. Locke writes about his views on how the government should function. The people must be willing to obey and live under government control in exchange for protection of their lives, property, and possessions. The people must want an established government that has set laws. Then, these people are able to elect a governmental body who will make and enforce these laws. The laws will be universal, meaning that they will apply to both the rich and poor. Also, there will be a court system that is indifferent and unbiased. This system will have the power to settle controversies that arise from the set laws. Locke expresses his beliefs to show the reasoning behind people wanting a structured governing body as opposed to living under “natural law”. He suggests, that the power of the government is only as strong as the commitment of it's citizens to comply to the laws. In order for citizens to protect their lives, property, and possessions, they must adhere to the laws of the nation. …show more content…

He says that the citizens may get rid of any form of government they find unfitting and set up a new form of government that better suits their needs. The people should be allowed to vote for their governing officials, instead of living under a monarchy. In a monarchy, there is one person dictating over all the citizens. They choose all the laws without the approval of anyone else. In order for man to have a say, they must be united under a governing body of their choice. One in which every citizen knows the laws and feels safe and secure living under them. Also, a government in which the governing body knows their limits and isn't able to surpass these

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