Throughout their famous writings, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau all discovered and developed novel methods of government, some of which we still use today. Many of the forms of government they discussed were based solely on the power of the leaders. However, Locke created a government based solely on the supremacy and consent of the people. He made sure to pinpoint that while under the rules of natural obligation and social contract, the people have the utmost authority. He mentions that with this type of authority, the people’s gain their well-deserved rights because their voices are heard within a government of consent. He then shows that executive stability comes from this rule where the people feel content and collective. Therefore, I believe that Locke’s form of government is the best overall because his simple rules of accordance are versatile and globally appealing.
One of the most universal concepts that Locke introduces in his piece is the idea of democracy. Locke talks a great deal about the makeup of a democratic society all throughout his piece. He describes it as, “the mutual agreement of men freely acting in the choice of their governors” with the people, “uniting together … free and independent … [with] no natural superiority or subjection” (sec.102). These simple principles outlined by Locke are seen in action all across the world in hundreds and hundreds of places that have taken in democratic rule. As stated by the Historical Atlas of the Twentieth Century, “31% of the human population has been living in fully democratic nations”, much of the percentage deriving from nations like India and Germany. So Locke’s global appeal is clearly represented within the wide influence of democracy.
Unlike many other philosophers, Locke expresses a strong sense of philanthropy while emphasizing the potency of teamwork towards one central goal. As he says in section 99, “whosoever…out of state of nature unite into a community, must…give up all the power, necessary to the ends…for [uniting].” He later mentions that the people come together to “judge the ablest, and most likely, to rule well over them” (section 107). This idea of collectivism in order to vote for a trusted leader has become the basis of many developed countries around the world. No matter what government each of these countries hone, the basis of most are found within the foundations of voting. For example, a republic, which is one of the most popular forms of government in the world, is defined as “a government in which supreme power is held by the citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives governing according to law” (usconstitution.net). The well-known concept of collective voting is a continual reminder to the world of Locke’s original philosophy.
Locke also evaluates what runs a well formulated society. He came to the understanding that the happiness of the people is the key to an efficient nation. He states that “the obligation anyone is under [within a society]…beings and ends with the enjoyment; so that whenever the owner, who has given nothing but…consent...is at liberty to go” (section 121). In simpler terms, Locke explains that anyone who is looking for a government with the will to consent and the want to be governed is allowed to leave the regime when they please, as long as it is for their pleasure. These ideologies that are introduced by Locke are then re-described as the basic civil liberties of the Declaration of Independence. As it says in the preamble, “we hold these truths to be self-evident…that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (usconstitution.net) Because Locke’s idea of a people-pleasing government is cited directly in our Declaration, we can see the large effect that Locke’s versatility has on society today.
Although other philosophers believe that a society based on the rights and happiness of the people is too unstable, I completely disagree. As stated by the famous American writer James Cooper, “individuality is the aim of political liberty. By leaving to the citizen as much freedom of action and of being, as comports with order and the rights of others, the institutions render him truly a freeman. He is left to pursue his means of happiness in his own manner.” Here, Cooper draws out a governmental syllogism about the unity of the people. He says that when the individuality and individual rights of the people come together, it leads to political collectiveness. So, if the people’s individual rights are expressed in the collective, then the citizens are happy. As a result, with a contented and consented community, there will be a well-run government because if those who hold the most amount of power are pleased, then society as a whole will be just fine.
As expressed through his great influence around the world, Locke has proved to us that his form of government comes out on top above the rest. With his original, simple and understandable ideas of a well formed society, he has led to the foundation of governments on a global scale. The idea of democracy, independence and voting have all derived from his genius listed in The Second Treatise of Civil Government. In conclusion, Locke’s hard work and fortitude paid off, and all because he kept the people in mind.
SOURCES:
http://users.erols.com/mwhite28/20centry.htm
http://www.usconstitution.net/declar.html
The Second Treatise of Civil Government -John Locke
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