Locke and Revolution

Abstract

John Locke suggests that all mеn in natural state are free and equal, their conduct regulated by natural law, or the law of reason. Unable to cope with offenders people enter original compact and then set up a trust-based government. When­ever government proves to be incompetent, or regularly abuses trust, or puts it­self outside civil society; and whilst obedience means demise of men and nation, individuals and civil society realize their natural right of resistance to preserve their lives, liberties, and estates, as well as the common good of the country and of all mankind. Locke voices his major political ideas in his “Two treatises of government”, where he argues for the right of William of Orange to the English throne using the concepts of trust and prerogative.