Locke's Political Philosophy: Key Concepts Defined

Core Terminology

Authority

The person who sends or exercises power over other members of society, and to whom all owe obedience. Locke refers to the figure of the independent judge, as only he can be appealed to when one has been injured or wronged regarding their rights, or when a conflict arises between two parties requiring mediation by a third person.

Absolute Prince

Term used by Locke to name the monarch of an absolutist state. An absolute monarchy is a regime where the king has absolute power over his subjects. The "absolute monarch" is not subject to the law or any other power, as they possess all the freedom of the state of nature, enhanced by the power and freedom guaranteed by the system.

Civil Government

The executive branch of the "civil society" born through the "contract." It is therefore the power to enforce the "civil law" which regulates relations between citizens who form civil society. For Locke, this government must be submitted to the legislature.

Executive Power

The power responsible for implementing or enforcing the laws of nature or positive law. It is "natural law" when referring to the power possessed by all human beings in the state of nature: the power to punish lawbreakers.

Natural Law

Law that exists in the state of nature and which binds all human beings. It orders that nobody violates the natural rights (to life, health, liberty, or property) of other human beings, unless it is to do justice to one who has violated the natural law (the right to defense).

Political or Civil Society

The state which builds upon the original pact. It occurs whenever a group of human beings come together and each resigns their "executive power" to the community because no one can be a judge in their own cause.

State of Nature

The situation or condition in which humans exist prior to the original contract. In this state, there is perfect freedom to act and dispose of property, not depending on the goodwill of others. There is also full equality: no one has more power than others, or can be subjected by anyone. It is ruled by "natural law." Note: This is not a real historical situation, but a hypothesis used to understand the human being if we remove what society has added (laws, norms, customs, etc.).

Political Body

Society works (at the time of organizing relations among its members) as a whole or as one body.

Legislature

As this expression, Locke refers to the institution that represents the State Legislature, i.e., the parliament.

Public Good

The common good intended to be pursued by the state. It guarantees the natural rights of citizens:

• Security
• Peace
• Liberty
• Property

State

See also "political or civil society." It can be defined as a political entity that fulfills the following conditions:

1. It consists of the whole people (body politic).
2. United under one government (executive power).
3. Governed by common laws (legislative power).
4. And within the same territory.