To explain political power, Locke delves into the state of nature, a condition where individuals are free and equal, yet bound by natural law, which prohibits harming others' lives, liberties, health, or property. In the absence of government, everyone has the right to punish those who violate this law, but Locke acknowledges that people may punish excessively.

The State of Nature and Natural Law

Locke also discusses parental power, which he describes as the authority parents hold over their children until they can reason independently. This power is shared by both parents and is limited because it does not extend to the child’s life or possessions. Locke criticizes the idea that kings rule as fathers, arguing that granting absolute power to rulers eliminates personal freedom. Political power, Locke insists, can only arise through the consent of the governed.

Parental Power and Critique of Monarchical Authority

Men being, as has been said, by nature, all free, equal and independent, no one can be put out of this estate, and subjected to the political power of another, without his own consent.

In The Second Treatise of Government, John Locke begins by addressing the reader directly, expressing his hope that his work will support King William’s rightful claim to the throne of England. He argues that the only legal way to run a government is through the agreement of the people, and that King William’s rule is based on this principle

Introduction: Locke’s Purpose and Critique of Filmer

Locke describes the formation of democratic societies, which require clear laws, impartial judges, and mechanisms to enforce these laws. When individuals leave the state of nature to join a commonwealth, they relinquish their personal rights to self-preservation and punishment, transferring these powers to the commonwealth.

The Role of Democratic Society

Civil government, therefore, arises to mitigate these violent tendencies. Locke differentiates between a peaceful state of nature and a state of war, which occurs when individuals seek complete control over others, threatening self-preservation. He asserts that individuals have the right to defend themselves against such threats.

The legislative power, as the highest authority, creates laws to protect the commonwealth, while the executive enforces these laws, and the federative handles external affairs like war and peace. These powers, derived from the people, must always work for the public good and require the people’s consent.

Locke argues that society was formed to avoid the violence of the state of war, with individuals agreeing to appoint a single judge to resolve disputes. He asserts that everyone has a natural right to self-preservation and to resources provided by nature, which become personal property when mixed with labor. For example, gathering acorns from a tree makes them the gatherer’s property. Similarly, land cultivated by an individual becomes their property.However, Locke imposes limits, stating that people should only take what they can use before it spoils.

Formation of Society and Private Property

Locke warns that governments can fail due to external forces like conquest and tyranny or internal issues like corruption and the abuse of legislative authority. He argues that when a government stops serving the commonwealth or enforces arbitrary laws, it loses its legitimacy. If a king abdicates or the government becomes dysfunctional, the power returns to the people, who then have the right to rebuild the government.

Causes of Government Failure and the People’s Right to Resist

Locke maintains that it is up to the people to judge whether their government is acting against their interests, and if it is, they have the right to resist and establish a new government that serves the public good.

Locke also criticizes Sir Robert Filmer’s ideas, dismissing them as doubtful expressions and nonsensical rhetoric. He warns that incorrect ideas about government are among the most dangerous beliefs, though he remains open to reasonable critiques. However, he emphasizes that valid arguments do not lead to unnecessary complaints or conflicts.

Locke refutes Filmer’s claim that God gave Adam natural authority over the world or the right to rule as a father. Locke argues that even if Adam had been granted such power, it would not extend to his descendants, and since Adam lived long ago, it is impossible to prove his offspring still exist. Thus, political power cannot originate from this supposed divine grant.Instead, Locke defines political power as the right to create and enforce laws for the protection of the commonwealth, safeguarding property, and promoting the public good. He distinguish political power from other form of power.

Refuting Filmer’s Divine Authority of Adam

Full Summary of Second Treatise of Government by John Locke

"[Presents] one of the great classics of political philosophy, widely regarded as the foundational text of modern liberalism ... [Also includes] 'A letter concerning toleration' aimed to end Christianity's wars of religion and called for the separation of church and state so that everyone could enjoy freedom of conscience"--Provided by publisher.