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The Influence Of John Locke's Second Treatise On Government

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John Locke’s Second Treatise on government’s responsibility to its citizens educates on the importance of a strong government. It details on how to go about getting one, maintaining one, and grooming the people for one. Locke also touches on the importance of a continual ruling style and the difficulties of change for the governed people. A balanced government establishes legislative power, governs by declaring laws, and keeps power where the people want it as each country needs a strong foundation. According to Locke, a strong foundation starts with constructing a stable legislature. It is the job of the government to maintain the “...preservation of the society, and… of every person in it” (Locke, Chapter XI). Locke refers to it as a house, if one does not have a stable foundation, then the house and all of its materials will crumble, but if one has a strong foundation and adequate materials then the house will be strong. Also, as he states in Chapter eight, the consent of the people is needed to establish a legislative power. …show more content…

If they are not “...then mankind will be in a far worse condition than in the state of nature…” (Locke, Chapter XI). If the people so think that the laws are not just or fair, then they will not obey them, which will lead to the unwinding of the country’s foundation. It will keep rulers within their boundaries of what is just and right as they will not be tempted to change the laws for their personal gain. And if there is a question of whether the law is well received, Locke believes that it is at the mercy of God to decide in controversies between

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