How did the ideas of John Locke change the way people thought about government? (2 points)

Question

Responses

People thought monarchs should have more power.
People thought monarchs should have more power.

People thought governments should have more power.
People thought governments should have more power.

People believed that governments should protect the natural rights of people.
People believed that governments should protect the natural rights of people.

People thought governments should have much less power.

Answer 1

John Locke's ideas shifted people's thinking about government in significant ways:

1. People believed that governments should protect the natural rights of people. Locke argued that individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and that the primary role of government is to safeguard these rights. This perspective promoted the idea that legitimate government is based on the consent of the governed and is accountable to the people.

2. People thought governments should have much less power. Locke's philosophy suggested that government power should be limited and subject to the rule of law. This challenged the previously accepted notion of absolute monarchy and advocated for a system where the government's authority derives from the will of the people, ultimately leading to the development of democratic principles.