Two Treatises of Government

The Two Treatises of Government is a defense of the natural rights of individuals and it argues that governments are created by the consent of the governed and that they have only limited powers. Locke also argues that individuals have the right to overthrow a government that becomes tyrannical. The First Treatise of Government is a critique of the patriarchal theory of government which was popular at the time. Locke argues that government is not a divine right of kings but rather a human creation that is designed to protect the natural rights of individuals. The Second Treatise of Government is a more positive work that lays out Lockes theory of government. Locke begins by discussing the state of nature which he describes as a state of perfect freedom and equality. He then argues that individuals enter into a social contract with each other in order to create a government that will protect their natural rights. Locke argues that the government has only limited powers and that it is subject to the consent of the governed. He also argues that individuals have the right to overthrow a government that becomes tyrannical.