locke

Question 1

When did John Locke live, and what was his political involvement?

Answer 1

Locke lived from 1632 to 1704, opposed the Stuart monarchy, fled to the Netherlands in 1683, and was involved in the Glorious Revolution of 1688.

Question 2

What is Locke’sTwo Treatises of Governmentabout?

Answer 2

The first treatise argues against a God-installed sovereign, and the second develops Locke’s concept of the social contract.

Question 3

How does Locke define the state of nature?

Answer 3

A state of peace, goodwill, mutual assistance, and preservation governed by reason, distinct from a state of war.

Question 4

What are the key elements of the state of nature?

Answer 4

Equality,natural freedom, and adherence to thelaw of nature.

Question 5

What is the law of nature according to Locke?

Answer 5

A moral law that includes self-preservation, preserving humanity, property rights, punishing transgressors, and restitution for harm.

Question 6

Who enforces the law of nature in the state of nature?

Answer 6

Everyone has the right to enforce the law of nature, punishing transgressors to prevent further violations.

Question 7

What problems arise in maintaining natural law in the state of nature?

Answer 7

Differences in interpretation, bias, and enforcement difficulties.

Question 8

Why does Locke argue for the transition to civil society?

Answer 8

To provide law and order and overcome the enforcement challenges of the state of nature.

Question 9

How does Locke describe property acquisition?

Answer 9

Property is acquired by mixing one’s labor with something in nature, which creates value and makes it one’s own.

Question 10

What is the Lockean proviso for legitimate appropriation of property?

Answer 10

Individuals can take only as much as they can use, must avoid waste, and leave enough for others.

Question 11

How does Locke justify wage labor and inequalities?

Answer 11

He allows for wage labor and inequality, arguing that differences in labor productivity and the use of money justify them.

Question 12

What does Locke argue about Native Americans and land in America?

Answer 12

He claims that Native Americans’ lack of land improvement justifies colonization, framing the land as unused and open for settlement.

Question 13

What is the purpose of government according to Locke?

Answer 13

To protect pre-existing natural law, especially property rights, and to serve as a judge and enforcer of the law.

Question 14

How is Locke’s social contract structured?

Answer 14

It has two stages: first forming a community, then placing the community under a government chosen by the majority.

Question 15

What is popular sovereignty in Locke’s theory?

Answer 15

Sovereignty remains with the people, who create and control the government.

Question 16

What rights do people have if a ruler fails to uphold the law?

Answer 16

They have the right to resist and even revolt, returning to the first stage of the social contract.

Question 17

What is tacit consent according to Locke?

Answer 17

Tacit consent is implied by enjoying the benefits of a government’s dominion, such as owning land or traveling on its roads.

Question 18

What are the three branches of government in Locke’s framework?

Answer 18

Legislative power(creates laws),executive power(enforces laws), andfederative power(manages international affairs).

Question 19

What is prerogative power, and when is it used?

Answer 19

Prerogative power allows the executive to act for the public good in emergencies where laws provide no guidance.

Question 20

How does Locke define the subordination of powers?

Answer 20

The executive and federative powers are subordinate to the legislative power, which is supreme.

Question 21

What is Locke’s stance on religious toleration?

Answer 21

He advocates for toleration of different religious beliefs but excludes atheists (immoral) and Catholics (divided loyalties).

Question 22

What are the limits of Locke’s religious toleration?

Answer 22

Atheists and Catholics are excluded due to perceived moral and loyalty issues.

Question 23

How does Locke distinguish the state of nature from the state of war?

Answer 23

The state of nature is peaceful and governed by reason, while the state of war is marked by violence and conflict.

Question 24

How does Locke differentiate natural law from positive law?

Answer 24

Natural law is moral and based on reason, while positive law is created by governments.

Question 25

How does labor relate to property in Locke’s theory?

Answer 25

Labor is the means by which individuals claim property from the common natural state, adding value and ownership.

Question 26

What is Locke’s critique of waste and resource use?

Answer 26

Locke argues against waste, stating that resources must be used for legitimate purposes and not exceed one’s ability to utilize them.

Question 27

What is Locke’s view on consent in government?

Answer 27

No one can be subjected to political power without their consent, as people are naturally free, equal, and independent.

Question 28

What does Locke say about the role of money in society?

Answer 28

Money allows for the storage of value, prevents spoilage, and implies consent to unequal distribution through its use.

Question 29

What is the relationship between popular sovereignty and limited government in Locke’s view?

Answer 29

Sovereignty remains with the people, and government’s role is limited to protecting natural rights and property.

Question 30

How does Locke’s concept of toleration reflect his own context?

Answer 30

His toleration is primarily for Protestants, reflecting his experience and affiliation, while excluding other groups like Catholics and atheists.