Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
John Locke, a 17th-century English philosopher, is considered one of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers. His Social Contract theory, articulated in *Two Treatises of Government* (1689), profoundly impacted modern political philosophy and democratic thought. Unlike Thomas Hobbes, Locke posited a more optimistic view of the ‘state of nature,’ believing individuals possessed inherent natural rights – life, liberty, and property – governed by natural law discoverable through reason. This differed significantly from Hobbes’s bleak depiction of a ‘war of all against all.’ Locke’s theory provided a justification for limited government and individual freedoms.
The State of Nature and Natural Rights
Locke believed the state of nature wasn’t a state of war, but lacked a common authority to resolve disputes. Individuals were free and equal, but their enjoyment of natural rights was insecure. The right to property, acquired through labor, was central to Locke’s theory.
The Social Contract
Individuals voluntarily enter into a social contract to overcome the inconveniences of the state of nature. This isn’t a surrender of rights, but a temporary alienation of certain rights to a government established to protect the remaining rights – primarily life, liberty, and property.
The Nature of Government
Locke advocated for a limited government based on the consent of the governed. He favored a separation of powers – legislative, executive, and federative – to prevent tyranny. The legislative branch, representing the people, was supreme, but bound by natural law.
Right to Revolution
Crucially, Locke argued that if the government violated the social contract by infringing upon natural rights, the people had the right to alter or abolish it – a justification for revolution. This concept heavily influenced the American Declaration of Independence (1776).
Conclusion
Locke’s Social Contract theory remains a cornerstone of liberal political thought. His emphasis on natural rights, limited government, and popular sovereignty continues to resonate in contemporary democracies. The theory’s enduring legacy lies in its articulation of a government accountable to its citizens and its justification for resisting oppressive rule, shaping the course of political development globally.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.