Two Treatises of Government

by John Locke · 1689 · English

Philosophy & religionWorld

About the book

The first treatise rejects the divine right of kings; the second argues that government is formed by the consent of the people to protect natural rights. If rulers break that trust, people have the right to revolt. Locke is called the father of liberalism.

Why it matters

Argued for natural rights to life, liberty and property; influenced the US Declaration of Independence.