John locke principles of democracy government

Definition

The Two Treatises of Government is a work of political philosophy written by John Locke in 1689 that outlines the principles of natural rights and government legitimacy based on the consent of the governed.

This text was pivotal in shaping Enlightenment thought, providing a counterpoint to absolute monarchy and laying the groundwork for modern democracy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Locke's work directly challenged the divine right of kings, arguing that governments should derive their authority from the consent of the governed rather than through hereditary rule.
2. The First Treatise is primarily a critique of Sir Robert Filmer's Patriarcha, which defended absolute monarchy, while the Second Treatise articulates Locke's vision of a civil government based on individual rights.
3. Locke's ideas in the Two Treatises greatly influenced later political revolutions, including the American and French Re