John Locke – Natural Rights & Limited Constitutional Government
UPSC PSIR | Western Political Thinkers | Father of Liberalism
1️⃣ INTRODUCTION
John Locke (1632–1704) wrote Two Treatises of Government.
He reacted against absolute monarchy.
Locke lays foundation of modern liberal democracy.
2️⃣ STATE OF NATURE
Unlike Hobbes, Locke’s state of nature is:
- Peaceful
- Governed by natural law
- Morally ordered
Humans possess natural rights.
3️⃣ NATURAL RIGHTS
Three fundamental rights:
- Life
- Liberty
- Property
These rights exist before government.
4️⃣ SOCIAL CONTRACT
People form government to:
- Protect natural rights
- Ensure impartial justice
Government is trustee of people.
5️⃣ LIMITED GOVERNMENT
Government power must be:
- Limited
- Constitutional
- Accountable
Separation of legislative and executive powers.
6️⃣ RIGHT TO RESISTANCE
If government violates natural rights:
People have right to rebellion.
This legitimizes revolution.
7️⃣ LOCKE & PROPERTY THEORY
Property arises from mixing labor with nature.
Labor creates ownership.
MAINS QUESTIONS
- Discuss Locke’s theory of natural rights.
- Explain Locke’s concept of limited government.
- Compare Locke with Hobbes.
QUICK REVISION MAP
- Natural law
- Life, liberty, property
- Trustee government
- Right to rebellion
- Labor theory of property
“Government exists to protect rights.”
Shaktimatha Learning – Western Thinkers Series
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