Understanding Locke's Political Philosophy: Key Concepts

John Locke's Key Concepts in Political Philosophy

Consent

Consent can be either express or tacit:

• Express Consent: Free and voluntary individual agreement to join a political community. It is expressed in an explicit and clear way to establish a new community.
• Tacit Consent: Implicitly granted by any individual by the mere fact of living in and enjoying the benefits of an already established community.

State of Nature

The State of Nature is the hypothetical situation in which humans exist before forming a civil society through the social contract. In this state, individuals are governed by natural moral law, which grants them certain rights (life, liberty, equality, independence, and property) and the power to enforce the law.

Legitimate Government

A Legitimate Government represents the community once it is formed. It is elected by the majority and should govern according to the public good.

Law

Law is the rule that directs human action. Locke distinguishes between natural law and positive law:

• Natural Law: Characteristic of the State of Nature, it is equivalent to the law of reason. It dictates that since all individuals are equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in their life, health, liberty, or property. Natural law also grants individuals the power to enforce it.
• Positive Law: Inspired by natural law, it is established by the legislature within civil society.

Freedom

In the State of Nature, Freedom is the power not to be subject to any will other than one's own and to follow no rule other than that dictated by natural law. Civil society emerges as the best defense of freedom.

Majority Rule

Majority Rule is the legitimate way of making decisions in a civil society. Unless otherwise specified, a simple majority is required.

Absolute Monarchy

Absolute Monarchy is a form of government in which power is concentrated in a single person, with a tendency towards despotism and arbitrariness. Locke believes that absolute monarchy is incompatible with legitimate civil power and is equivalent to the State of Nature because there is no impartial judicial authority to appeal to in case of conflict between the ruler and their subjects. This prevents individuals from exercising their rights and defending themselves against the abuse of authority.

Separation of Powers

Power is the ability to establish and execute the law. In the State of Nature, individuals delegate these natural powers to the appropriate bodies of political society. Locke distinguishes three kinds of powers:

• Legislative Power: The power to establish the content of the law and punishments for its infringement. This power resides in the parliament.
• Executive Power: The power to execute the law. It is exercised by the government.
• Federative Power: The power to manage relations with other communities. It is held by community representatives.

The judiciary is not identified as an independent power because it is included within the legislative or executive branches.

Property

Property is a natural right to privately own and dispose of something. Locke understands property in a broad sense as a natural right that extends over life, liberty, and possessions. The foundation of private property is work.

Political or Civil Society

Political or Civil Society is a community of individuals who, through consent, form a single body politic with a common law and a judicial system to appeal to in cases of conflict.