1. John Locke and the Declaration of Independence

2. Two Treatises on Government: 1689 First treatise argues against the Divine Right of Kings – Says political authority is not derived from religious authority – All men are created equal

3. The State of Nature The natural condition of mankind is a state of perfect and complete liberty to conduct one’s life as one best sees fit, free from interference One is not free to do anything one pleases, since each person is bound by the Law of Nature The Law of Nature, given by God, commands that we not harm others with regards to their “life, health, liberty, or possessions.”

4. The State of Nature Because we all belong equally to God, and because we cannot take away that which is rightfully His, we are prohibited from harming one another The State of Nature is a state of liberty where persons are free to pursue their own interests and plans while restricted from imposing upon others.

5. Private Property Men are entitled to as much land as they can cultivate themselves – property is “owned” when a person mixes his labor with the raw materials of the land Men cannot take more than their fair share since God gave nature to all mankind for its common subsistence

6. Men form Commonwealths or Societies The State of Nature is abandoned by families when they enter compacts with other families in order to punish those who transgress the law of nature. They give up some of their powers to the majority and become a political body. Governments are formed to protect people’s property and well-being

7. Dissolving Government When the executive power of a government devolves into tyranny (unlawful force), the tyrant puts himself into a state of war with the people The people have the same right to self-defense as they had before making a compact to establish a society in the first place. When a government no longer protects, but instead oppresses its citizens, the social contract is dissolved and men may seek a better form of government.