Second Treatise of Government

Locke establishes the true origin and extent of civil government through reason.

The state of nature as a condition of natural freedom, equality, and the law of nature governing all men.

The state of war distinguished from the state of nature, arising from unjust force without a common judge.

Slavery cannot be justified by natural right; despotical power only arises from forfeiture by aggression.

Property originates in labor mixing with natural things; money enables unequal possessions by tacit consent.

Paternal power is temporary guardianship for children's benefit, distinct from political and despotical power.

Political society forms from consent to preserve property through established law and impartial judges.

Political societies begin when free men consent to unite and establish a legislative power by majority rule.

Government's chief end is preservation of property through law, impartial judges, and enforcement power.

Forms of commonwealth depend on where supreme legislative power is placed among the community.

The legislative power is supreme but limited by natural law and cannot rule arbitrarily or take property without consent.

Legislative, executive, and federative powers are distinct; separation prevents abuse and tyranny.

The legislative is supreme, but people retain the ultimate power to remove or alter it when betrayed.

Prerogative power allows executive discretion for public good but remains subject to law's fundamental purpose.

Paternal, political, and despotical powers differ in origins and limits; only political power serves the public good.

Conquest cannot establish legitimate government without consent; conquered retain rights to liberty and property.

Usurpation is illegal seizure of power; usurper gains no right without people's consent and confirmation.

Tyranny is exercise of power beyond right for private ends; people may resist unlawful force justly.

Government dissolves when legislative is altered or acts against trust; people then restore liberty and create new government.