Barnett AP Gov’t & Politics John Locke Barnett AP Gov’t & Politics

IV. John Locke (1632-1704) A. Supported Parliament in the English Civil War B. Lived in Political Exile in Holland / Physician C. Friend of William of Orange

D. 1688 – “Glorious Revolution” E. What is the “Natural State of Man”? 1. Man seeks a stable society 2. Man has “natural rights” – life, liberty, property 3. Government must protect those rights

F. What is the “Social Contract”? 1. Consent is the basis of Political Power a. Power comes from the people b. Laws protect rights of the majority c. Laws create freedom and liberty

2. Parliament is Supreme a. Represents the Propertied Sectors of Soceity i. Crown – Monarchy – Royal Family ii. House of Lords – Nobility – Peers iii. House of Commons – Gentry

b. “Separation of Powers”??? i. Crown – Executive and “Federative” ii. Lords and Commons - Legislative

3. Preservation of Property Rights is the key to a Civil Society and a Commonwealth a. Legislative Power is Supreme – Act of Supremacy (1689) b. Government may not encroach on Natural Rights – Declaration of Right (1690) c. Propertyless people are not represented 1. Have no self-interest in the commonwealth 2. Have incentives, however, to acquire property

G. Application of Locke to England 1. 1700s – Commerce and Industry v. Landed Aristocracy 2. House of Commons grows in power 3. Development of the Prime Ministry to handle Government business for the Crown 4. “Federative” Powers – Colonies and Foreign Policy

H. Application of Locke to American Colonies 1. Guaranteed Rights to Propertied Class 2. Desire for Actual Representation in Parliament 3. Mistrust of “Federative” Power of the Crown 3. “All Men are Created Equal” – Deference to Merit