JOHN LOCKE
The single most important influence that shaped the founding of the United States comes from John Locke, a 17th century Englishmen who redefined the nature of government. In his Second Treatise of Government, Locke identified the basis of a legitimate government. According to Locke, a ruler gains authority through the consent of the governed (rather than being given power by devine right).
The duty of the government is to protect the natural rights of the people, which Locke believed to include life, liberty, and property. If the government should fail to protect these rights, its citizens would have the right to overthrow that government. This idea deeply influenced Thomas Jefferson as he drafted the Declaration of Independence.
Source: http://www.ushistory.org/gov/2.asp
Note Questions:
1. According to John Locke, how did a ruler gain their authority?
2. What did Locke Think were the responsibilities of government?
3. How did John Locke influence American government?
The duty of the government is to protect the natural rights of the people, which Locke believed to include life, liberty, and property. If the government should fail to protect these rights, its citizens would have the right to overthrow that government. This idea deeply influenced Thomas Jefferson as he drafted the Declaration of Independence.
Source: http://www.ushistory.org/gov/2.asp
Note Questions:
1. According to John Locke, how did a ruler gain their authority?
2. What did Locke Think were the responsibilities of government?
3. How did John Locke influence American government?