Two Treatises of Government · Question
How does Two Treatises of Government develop the theme of Limited Government and Rule of Law?
Answer
Two Treatises of Government by John Locke develops Limited Government and Rule of Law across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
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.
Locke warns that Filmer's doctrine of absolute, arbitrary power flatters ambition and tempts rulers to exceed their limits, implying the need for limited government and the rule of law.
By denying that Genesis 3:16 grants political power, Locke implicitly supports the idea that governmental authority is limited and not derived from patriarchal or divine right.
By showing that two independent powers cannot coexist without strife, Locke implicitly argues for a unified, limited government structure rather than absolute, inherited rule.
Evidence in the book
- II: Of Paternal and Regal Power
Locke warns that Filmer's doctrine of absolute, arbitrary power flatters ambition and tempts rulers to exceed their limits, implying the need for limited government and the rule of law.
- Of Adam’s Title to Sovereignty, by the Subjection of Eve
By denying that Genesis 3:16 grants political power, Locke implicitly supports the idea that governmental authority is limited and not derived from patriarchal or divine right.
- VII: Of Fatherhood and Property Considered Together as Fountains of Sovereignty
By showing that two independent powers cannot coexist without strife, Locke implicitly argues for a unified, limited government structure rather than absolute, inherited rule.
- VIII: Of the Conveyance of Adam’s Sovereign Monarchical Power
By showing that Filmer's theory would legitimize any usurper who seizes supreme power, Locke implicitly argues for a government bound by law and consent, not mere force.
- XI: Who Heir?
Locke argues that Filmer's doctrine undermines all civil government by making obedience depend on an unknowable person, leaving no room for law or compact.
- I
Locke defines political power as a right to make laws for the public good, distinguishing it from arbitrary or paternal authority.
- II: Of the State of Nature
Locke argues that absolute monarchy is no better than the state of nature, as it places one man above the law, and that legitimate government must be based on consent and the law of nature.
- Of Political or Civil Society
Locke argues that in civil society, no one is exempt from the law, and the legislature must be a collective body to prevent arbitrary rule.
