1. “Second Treatise of Civil Government”
By John Locke

2. Definitions

3. Natural Rights Theory
Rights derived from natural law (God-given) that all people have and which cannot be taken away. The Jeffersonian statement in the Declaration (as influenced by John Locke), that “all men are created equal” is a cornerstone of American belief.

4. Limited Government
The Constitutional concept in which government is not considered all powerful, but rather has specific restraints.

5. Oligarchy
A form of government in which the right to participate is always conditioned on the possession of wealth, social status, military position, or achievement.

6. Popular Sovereignty
The right of the majority to govern themselves.

7. Main Argument and Locke's Reasoning:
Individuals have the natural right to "life, liberty and property."
“For protection of rights in a state of nature, ‘there are many things wanting’.”
“Individuals enter into society and consent to government in order to protect rights. Legitimate government is based on consent, and it remains legitimate only insofar as it furthers these ends (protection of life, liberty and property). “
(The Setting of… 1)

8. Significance Foundation for US Constitution:
The framers' establishment of a constitutional democracy owes much to Locke.
Legislative Supremacy and the Right to Revolt:
“These premises (natural rights, consent) imply legislative supremacy (laws made by representatives). If government violates the trust placed by the people, then "the people shall judge." (In other words, there is a right to revolution against illegitimate government).”
(The Setting of… 2)

9. 1. Describe what Locke means by the “state of nature.”
Woll - Reading Guide
Answers
1. Describe what Locke means by the “state of nature.”
The state of perfect freedom to order their actions and dispose of possessions and persons as they see fit w/o depending on any other man.

10. 2. Describe what Locke means by the “state of equality.”
All power and jurisdiction is reciprocal, no one having more than another – everyone with the same advantage.
3. What can’t be done in the “state of nature?”
He has not the liberty to destiny himself or any creature in his possession. No one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions. He may not take away, or impair the liberty, health, limb, or goods of another.

11. Why would man part with the “state of nature” to allow the intervention of government? What is the chief end?
Enjoyment of nature is very unsure from invasion of others. The enjoyment of property is very unsafe and insecure. This fact makes one want to unite for the mutual preservation of liberties, lives, and estates.

12. 5. What does man give up when he joins a government?
He gives up the power to do whatsoever he thinks fit for preservation. He also gives up the power to punish crimes of others.

13. 6. In any government or commonwealth, who has the ultimate power?
Whoever has the legislative or supreme power of any commonwealth is supreme.

14. 7. When and under what circumstances should a government be dissolved?
When the government takes it upon themselves to make laws whom the people have not appointed or make laws without authority, a new government may be instituted. Also, a government who uses force without right can be overturned. Ultimately, the people shall be judge; the people give the government the power - not the other way around.

15. Works Cited
Woll, Peter. Lecture Summaries. Brandeis University. 10 Aug
Woll, Peter. The Setting of the American System. Brandeis University. 9 Sept