John Locke's Idea Of Democracy In The 17th Century

In today’s sovereign nations, there are around 120 nations that subsist of a democratically elected government to some degree. To that end, no such governments existed 400 years ago. This was largely due to tyrants oppressing democracy, calling it an extremely “radical and dangerous idea” during the 16th and 17th century. Essentially, the salient idea of Democracy in America was introduced by John Locke, a 17th century English political philosopher, with his influential ideas of Enlightenment. Locke’s notion of self-ownership and property were revolutionary during the 17th century, and influenced the French Enlightenment, the American Revolution as well as many parts of The Declaration of Independence in 1776. Notably, the famous phrase by

The establishment of the legislative power is to produce laws “to govern even the legislative itself, is the preservation of the society, and of every person in it” (Sec.134). It is important, however, for laws to follow these key factors to be just according to Locke. Firstly, laws must be publicized. The people have the right to be thoroughly informed of such new laws, whether it is by publicizing the laws on the walls of churches or announcing them in public meetings. Secondly, laws must be settled and refrained from constantly changing. Alternating laws could result in mass confusion of the understanding of the laws by the people. It also creates opportunities for legislators to write laws that benefit them as laws are easily changed and created. Thus, creating an unjust society. Therefore, the legislative has no need to be constantly running, and should only run when needed (Sec.143). Thirdly, laws are not to be made for the benefit of a member of the legislative chamber. Laws are for the safety and the flourishing of civil societies and should be just and fair. Therefore, the legislators are to follow the laws they have made under the supervision of the executive chamber (Sec.136). This closely relates to the reasons for separation of the legislative and executive power which will be discussed later. To add on, the legislative power has no right to intervene their peoples’ property without their consent (Sec.