Themes & patterns

Locke argues that all men are born free and equal, possessing natural rights to life, liberty, and property, which government must protect and cannot arbitrarily violate.

Legitimate political authority derives from the consent of the people, who voluntarily unite into society and establish government through mutual agreement, not from divine right or paternal inheritance.

Government power must be constrained by established, known laws, and the legislative and executive powers are limited to serving the public good, with no authority to act arbitrarily or despotically.

When a government violates its trust by acting against the people's liberty and property, the people have the right to resist, alter, or dissolve that government and establish a new one.

Property originates from an individual's labor mixing with common resources, and the preservation of property is a primary end of civil society, protected by law against arbitrary seizure.

Locke systematically refutes Sir Robert Filmer's theory that political power derives from Adam's fatherhood and divine donation, arguing such claims are unfounded and lead to slavery.

Locke distinguishes legislative, executive, and federative powers, advocating for their separation to prevent abuse and ensure laws are made and executed for the common good.

Humans originally exist in a state of perfect freedom and equality governed by natural law, but they enter into a social contract to form civil society for better protection of their rights.