Two Treatises of Government: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Two Treatises of Government, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Kings have no divine right
In the first treatise, Locke attacks Robert Filmer's claim that kings inherit absolute power from Adam.
Locke argues that nothing in scripture or reason gives any ruler a natural right to command everyone else.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
People begin free and equal
Locke describes a state of nature in which people are free and equal, governed by a law of nature that reason can discover.
No one may harm another's life, health, liberty or possessions, even before governments exist.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Labour creates property
Locke argues that when people mix their labour with land or natural resources, they make those things their property.
This idea links ownership to work, though Locke adds limits against waste.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Government rests on consent
Governments, Locke argues, are created by people who agree to join a political society to protect their rights.
Rulers gain legitimate power only through the consent of the governed. Power flows upwards.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Government must be limited
Locke argues that government exists to protect life, liberty and property.
It has no right to take people's property or rule arbitrarily. Rulers are trustees, not owners. Limits protect citizens.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
The majority decides
Once people agree to form a society, Locke argues, they accept that the majority will make decisions.
This allows the community to act together. Without such a rule, no shared decisions could ever be made.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
People may resist tyranny
Locke argues that if a government betrays its purpose and abuses power, people have the right to resist and replace it.
This idea influenced later revolutions. Tyranny forfeits obedience. It was a bold claim.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Ideas shaped modern democracy
Locke's arguments about rights, consent and limited government influenced the American and French revolutions.
His work remains central to liberal political thought. His ideas echo in many constitutions, including the language of rights and consent.
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