John Locke and the American Revolution

Questions and Answers

What was John Locke's primary view on the relationship between the ruler and the ruled?

The ruled must obey without question.

The ruler can decide to take away property at will.

The ruler has absolute authority over the ruled.

Governance is an agreement or compact between the ruler and the ruled. (correct)

Which of the following concepts was NOT a key contribution of John Locke?

Right to resist unjust rulers

Divine right of kings (correct)

Private property

Consent to be ruled

According to Locke's political views, what happens when government abuses its power?

The ruled must accept their fate.

The rulers gain more authority.

Obedience to the laws becomes mandatory.

The governed have the right to withdraw consent. (correct)

Which statement best reflects Locke's idea about property?

Personal labor is the basis for property rights. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'tacit consent' in Locke's philosophy?

Silent agreement through enjoyment of property under a government. Signup and view all the answers

What was John Locke's view on the nature of governance?

Locke viewed governance as a compact or agreement between the ruler and the ruled. Signup and view all the answers

How did Locke's ideas on property differ from those of Hobbes?

Locke believed property is a result of personal labor and no one should take it away, unlike Hobbes who had a more authoritarian perspective. Signup and view all the answers

What rights do individuals have according to Locke when a government abuses its power?

Individuals have the right to withdraw their consent and change the government. Signup and view all the answers

What does Locke mean by 'tacit consent'?

'Tacit consent' refers to the implicit agreement individuals give to obey government laws by enjoying its benefits. Signup and view all the answers

In which work did Locke outline his political beliefs, including government consent?

Locke outlined his political beliefs in his 1689 Second Treatise on Government. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Philosopher Who Influenced The American Revolution

John Locke (1632-1704) is the philosopher who had the greatest influence on American political thought and the American Revolution.
Locke believed that governance is an agreement, or a compact, between the ruler and the ruled.
He argued that all men were created equal by the Creator and that they have the right to resist unjust rulers.

Locke's Key Concepts

Private property: Locke believed that property is the result of personal labor, and no one has the right to take it away.
Consent to be ruled: Locke argued that government legitimacy depends on the consent of the governed.

Locke's Ideas on Governance and Power

Individuals surrender some of their individual authority to a ruler, who acts as a mediator or arbitrator of disputes, to have order.
When government abuses its power, the governed have the right to withdraw their consent and change the government.

Locke's Second Treatise on Government

Published in 1689, it outlines Locke's ideas on consent, private property, and governance.
Sect. 119: Every man gives tacit consent to obey the laws of a government when they have possessions or enjoyment within its territories.
Sect. 122: When legislators try to take away property or reduce people to slavery, they are in a state of war with the people, who are absolved from further obedience.

The Philosopher Who Influenced The American Revolution

John Locke (1632-1704) is the philosopher who had the greatest influence on American political thought and the American Revolution.
Locke believed that governance is an agreement, or a compact, between the ruler and the ruled.
He argued that all men were created equal by the Creator and that they have the right to resist unjust rulers.

Locke's Key Concepts

Private property: Locke believed that property is the result of personal labor, and no one has the right to take it away.
Consent to be ruled: Locke argued that government legitimacy depends on the consent of the governed.

Locke's Ideas on Governance and Power

Individuals surrender some of their individual authority to a ruler, who acts as a mediator or arbitrator of disputes, to have order.
When government abuses its power, the governed have the right to withdraw their consent and change the government.

Locke's Second Treatise on Government

Published in 1689, it outlines Locke's ideas on consent, private property, and governance.
Sect. 119: Every man gives tacit consent to obey the laws of a government when they have possessions or enjoyment within its territories.
Sect. 122: When legislators try to take away property or reduce people to slavery, they are in a state of war with the people, who are absolved from further obedience.

Description

Explore the influence of John Locke's philosophical ideas on American political thought and the American Revolution. Learn about his views on governance, equality, and the right to resist unjust rulers.