Political Thinking POL 161 Erik Rankin D&B 71-86

John Locke John Locke was the theoretical architect of democracy as it exists in the Western world today Much of his wording from the Second Treatise is copied into our Declaration and Constitution –“All men are created equal” –“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (property)” –“We hold these truths to be self evident”

John Locke Like Hobbes, Locke lived during a period of social unrest Locke is not as sour when it comes to his outlook on human nature In respect to theory and function of government he is diametrically opposed to Hobbes Locke feels there is a direct difference between the “state of nature” and the “state of war” –Seems to be a direct reference to his feelings about Hobbes

John Locke Locke feels that in the state of nature, men live quite peaceably They own private property, such as land, and have private possessions such as cattle and sheep Men by nature are not wholly selfish, they sometimes work for the good of others and the cooperate with each other –They do still act egoistically What property they own they may dispose of at their discretion without asking anyone for permission

John Locke Only law that governs man is the “law of nature” –No one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions Even though life in the state of nature is rather peaceful, men still break the law of nature –They may kill, or steal property When this happens the injured party has a right to punish the transgressor There would be no reason for men to leave the state of nature and to form societies except that difficulties arise in applying punishment to those who break law

John Locke 3 difficulties –Each man in the state of nature is his own judge over right and wrong, this leads to biased judgments One man may claim he has been injured and another may deny it Who decides –Even when it is obvious a law has been broken, there may not be adequate force to punish him –Punishment will vary for the same crime

John Locke In order to overcome these difficulties –Judiciary is needed to administer the law impartially –An executive who can enforce law when it is broken –A legislature that can law down consistent and uniform laws Society originates to develop such institutions for the purpose of remedying the defects of life w/o organized society Men create society by voluntary agreement among themselves to erect these institutions

John Locke Opposition to him is not only justified but even required Law not force, is the basis of government A government without law will be tyrannical A government operates by caprice (sudden change of mind), and the society that it controls will be unstable Democracy is a government by laws that are arrived at after long deliberation by properly chosen representatives of the people

John Locke There are certain areas of human conduct that are immune from governmental interference These are called “rights” by Locke –Just like the Bill of Rights Locke argues that all men are created equal in the sense that they have rights –These rights were not given by society and therefore cannot be taken away by it Locke also pushes equal treatment before the law or what we call “due process”

John Locke Ultimate source of authority lies with the people who appoint the government –For Locke it is a means to carry out the people’s will Locke envisaged a government divided into three branches Each would function as a check upon the other The legislature is to be the supreme authority in the ideal commonwealth

John Locke If the executive refuses to carry out his duties, the people have a right to use force against him