John Locke and American Foundations in Government essays

John Locke and American Foundations in Government essays John Lockes ideas and theories on the state of nature and how it applies to government are used in many American historical documents. These documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States, are essential in the way that our government functions today. John Locke, a philosopher during the Age of Enlightenment, wrote the Second Treatise on Civil Government. This writing contained his theories and opinions on the reason there is a government, and how it should be run. John Lockes theories on natural rights of man, equality, and a properly functioning government are incorporated into our earliest historical documents, and lay a foundation for the government that exists today. In the Second Treatise on Civil Government, John Locke writes that men exist in a natural state of freedom and equality. In this state of nature, there is a law. This law states that no man ought to harm another in his life, liberty, or possessions.(Locke) But there is a problem with this state of nature. According to Locke, the property he [man] has in this state [of nature] is very unsafe, very insecure.(Locke) So in order to preserve ones natural rights, one would have to find some means of protection. The end result is that men will unite under a commonwealth, and put themselves under a government, for the mutual preservation of their lives, liberties, and estates.(Locke) Locke believes that government is a natural occurrence, and that government is a necessity for survival. Without government, the world would eventually deteriorate into chaos, and most peoples rights would be lost. Locke also states that there is a need for a fair government with established laws. Lockes wri tings also demand a fair and just ruler. Locke writes, when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them unde...