Key Concepts of Locke’s Political Philosophy Explained
Key Concepts of Locke’s Political Philosophy
Public Good: Also known as the common good. This is the purpose the State aims to achieve, ensuring citizens have a secure, peaceful, and comfortable life.
State of Nature: The condition of human beings before the original social contract. In this state, individuals possess complete freedom to act and dispose of their property, enjoying full equality. The law of nature governs this state.
Federal Power: The power responsible for representing the State in its interactions with other States. This includes establishing international relations (alliances, declarations of war, etc.). This power, along with the executive, is represented by the same individuals and is subordinate to the legislature.
Legislature: The term Locke uses to refer to the institution that represents the state’s legislative body.
Law of Nature: A law binding upon all human beings, dictating that no one should attempt to harm another’s life, health, liberty, or property, unless it is to administer justice. Each individual is obligated to defend themselves and all of humankind. This law is also known as the Law of Reason.
Positive Laws: Laws enacted within a state or civil society by the legislature. These laws are considered just when based on the law of nature, which should regulate and interpret them.
Natural Freedom: The freedom possessed by all humans in the state of nature. When an individual becomes part of a political society, they surrender their natural liberty, particularly the right to dispense justice themselves.
Absolute Monarchy: A regime in which a king holds absolute power over their subjects. The absolute monarch is not subject to the law or any other power, possessing all the freedom of the state of nature, enhanced by the power and impunity granted by this system.
Original Covenant: A contract through which a group of human beings decides to leave the state of nature and form a political society, relinquishing their executive power, i.e., the right to be judges in their own cases.
Executive Branch: The power responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws. It is considered “natural law” when referring to the power possessed by all human beings in the state of nature. When individuals relinquish this power in favor of the community, the executive becomes part of a State or civil society. Also referred to as simply Executive.
Legislature: The most important power within the state. It is the supreme power, to which the executive and federative powers are subordinate, and whose representatives are appointed. Its function is to develop and enact laws to which all citizens are subject, legislating equally for all and serving the common good while respecting the rights of citizens. It also has judicial functions, with judges judging by the power granted to them by the legislature.
Political Power, Public Power: The right to make laws for the regulation and safeguarding of property, and to use the strength of the community in the implementation of all laws.
Political or Civil Society: Also known as the State. It arises after the original social contract, when a number of human beings come together and each waives their executive power on behalf of the community (no one can be judge in their own cause). Absolute monarchy is incompatible with civil society. Also referred to as Political Body, State, and People.