Second Treatise of Government Terms

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

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, Locke… read analysis of Prerogative

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

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