Locke Panel Discussion
By: Trevor, Brendan, Katherine, Aly, cydney, and Hunter
List and explain the qualities or
characteristics in Locke’s “State of Nature”
State of Perfect Freedom
State of Equality
State of Liberty
Laws of Nature
Punishment for Transgressions
If the State of Nature is as wonderful as
Locke describes, why do people leave it form
a political society?
Protection of private property
Established rules and policies
Higher authority enabled to enforce
A contract is defined as an exchange between
two parties. Apply this definition to the social
contract theory laid out in Locke’s essay.
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Agreement between authority and the people
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Rights of citizens
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Ability to rebel
Explain the condition under which
government can be dissolved
Laws created without authority
Executive power neglects his job
No longer serves the will of the people
Compare Locke’s philosophy to the
Declaration of Independence. Be able to cite
specific excerpts from both documents in
your comparison.
The Declaration of Independence corresponds similarly with Locke’s concepts
regarding authority of government and human rights.
Natural Rights
Locke: “the state of nature has a law to govern it”
Declaration of Independence: “Laws of nature and Nature’s God”
Purpose of Government
Locke: “to preserve himself, his liberty and property”
Declaration of Independence: “to secure these rights”
Equality
Locke: “men being by nature all free, equal and independent”
Declaration of Independence: “all men are created equal”
Consent of the governed
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Locke: “… with a power to act as one body, only by the will and
determination of the majority”
Consent of Government cont.
Declaration of Independence: “Governments are instituted among men,
deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”