William Lin

P3 Civics
2/5/15
Second Treatise, Of Civil Government
In Second Treatise, Of Civil Government, John Lockes main argument is
that a state of perfect freedom is achieved through equality, where everyone
makes their own laws and has their own natural rights, not controlled by the
power of an outside source. Moreover, he explains how the ideal situation is
to have a balance between power and jurisdiction, in which there is equal
opportunity and no subordination. However, Locke explains how the constant
exposure to the state of nature, providing him unlimited freedom and power,
will eventually influence a man to make sacrifices and give up the control
that he originally had over himself and his possessions. Due to the insecurity
and the invasions of others, Locke describes how a man will give up his
empire and be part of a nation in order to feel safer and more secure,
preserving his life, liberty, and property.
John Locke believed that governments drew their legitimacy from
natural law; once they discovered it, they would be able to make this
superior claim. The three forms of natural law that a law making body is
required to follow involves establishing a known law, having a non-biased
judge, and providing power to support a sentence in time of injustice. The
first principle incorporates a settled law that is determined by the
commonwealth to be the standard of right and wrong, treating all
controversies and preventing any biases from occurring. The second
principle incorporates a judge that has the authority to decide what is right

and what is wrong based on the established law. The last principle gives
power to back up any sentences made to correct the injustice committed by
any man.
John Locke explains that the state of nature can also give a man two
powers. He portrays each man as a unique individual, stating that a man can
do whatsoever he thinks fit for the preservation of himself, and other within
the permission of the law of nature. They together create one community,
which turns into one society that is distinguishable from others. The second
power John Locke gives is the power to punish crimes that are committed
against the law. When a man joins a political society, he will give up these
rights and instead be restrained by the laws and the executive power of
society. However, the benefits outweigh the costs, and he will be able to
experience the support and strength of a group of people working together.
Not only will he receive assistance, but he will also be able to protect his life,
liberty, and property.
According to Locke, it becomes acceptable, even necessary, to end a
particular form of government when the rights are abused. When
unauthorized people take control and make laws that have not been
approved by the people, or when they have taken a position that the people
have not appointed, a government will have to be dissolved. Resisting the
forces of others and using force to act without right will put a man in conflict
with another, causing a domino effect and creating the state of nature once
more, where all ties are cancelled, all rights cease, and everyone begins to
defend themselves again.

John Lockes Second Treatise, Of Civil Government is important with

regards to the creation of our Constitution. The Constitution was based upon
the fact that all men should have equal rights and the government will not be
able to take away these rights. Similar to what Locke described, the
Constitution gives power to the people and allows them to have a voice, to
have a say in current events. The people are protected by the law and work
together in order to achieve something. This is the balance between power
and jurisdiction.