The Mind of a Revolution

The Mind of a Revolution

John Locke is best known for his theories of government. His views greatly oppose those of Thomas Hobbes. Hobbes believed that a government should be ruled by an absolute power; however, Locke claimed that the power of the government belonged to the people. Furthermore, Locke felt that all members of society are equal under a just law. With this equality, each man has the God given right to revolt against a tyrant if deemed necessary.

Locke believed that the relationship between the government and its people is in the form of a "social contract". Moreover, the citizens complied to relinquish certain freedoms for the protection and leadership of the government. However, if the government overstepped its boundary, the government's side of the "contract" was viewed as non-existent. When this "contract" is nullified, the people have a right to overthrow the government. Furthermore, the people are obligated to rebel and replace the government. These were Locke's beliefs. If a government is unable to protect the life, liberty, and property of the people, the people have the power to revoke the responsibility of the government.

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Many people did not share the same view as Locke. They objected to Locke's claim that the people should have the power to take down governments. These people believed that Locke was giving too much power to the people. If the people have too much power, they can revolt against the government on an impulse. With the power presented by Locke, the people can defy the government whenever they please. If unhappy, these people can tear down a government. Furthermore, if the people have this power, there could be countless forms of government. Accompanying these countless government, there would be chaos. If the people have too much power, there would not be a government that could survive. People will find flaws in each form of government. However, all governments have flaws. Democracy, probably the most successful of governments, has flaws. There is not one thing in this world that is truly flawless. Therefore, if the people find a flaw in a government, there will be a constant shift in governments. This objection to Locke's belief was that Locke was giving too much power to the people. There is an old saying which many who opposed Locke could have used, "If you play with fire, you're going to get burned".

Locke formed a rebuttal to this objection of giving too much power to the people. He states that people are not quick to change their old habits. It is not easy for one to "get out of their old forms". It takes a long time for people to make the transition form one government to the next. Therefore, the people will not be changing governments constantly. Locke claims that if the people are unhappy, they will eventually rebel against any form of government. If the people feel that they are being exploited, they will revolt.

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Also, Locke claims that if the government abuses its power for a long period of time, the people will eventually defy and overthrow the governing body. The people can easily conclude if the government exists for the people's well-being.

I support Locke's