Second Treatise of Government

by

John Locke

Second Treatise of Government Terms

Common-wealth

Any independent community, such as a democracy, oligarchy, or monarchy. According to Locke, the fundamental power of all common-wealths is the establishment of a legislative power, which has the right to make and enact… read analysis of Common-wealth

Prerogative

The power of the executive of the common-wealth to act with discretion in order to preserve the good of the common-wealth. It is impossible for any legislative to foresee the need for all laws, Lockeread analysis of Prerogative

State of Nature

A state outside of civilized society. According to Locke, humankind in a state of nature is in a state of complete freedom and equality. In a state of nature, humankind is obligated to mutual… read analysis of State of Nature

State of War

A state of “enmity and destruction,” as defined by Locke, in which one may kill another. Anyone who attempts to exert absolute power over another—such as in an absolute monarchy—is in a… read analysis of State of War