Question

“To understand political power right, and derive it from its original, we must consider what state all men are naturally in, and that is, a state of perfect freedom to order their actions, and dispose of their possessions and persons, as they think fit, within the bounds of the law of nature, without asking leave, or depending upon the will of any other man.

“A state also of equality, wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal, no one having more than another. . . .

“The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it which obliges every one . . . that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.”

John Locke, Two Treatises of Government, 1689

The ideas in the excerpt were most likely interpreted by American colonists in the 1770s as a call to reject which of the following?


The holding of private property

Option A,The holding of private property

a

The establishment of representative democracy

Option B,The establishment of representative democracy

b

The acceptance of the divine right of kings

Option C,The acceptance of the divine right of kings

c

The creation of political parties

Option D,The creation of political parties

d


During the period of the American Revolution, Locke’s purpose in the excerpt would most likely have been interpreted as promoting a form of government based on


natural rights

Option A,natural rights

a

military rule

Option B,military rule

b

hereditary privilege

Option C,hereditary privilege

c

religious beliefs

Option D,religious beliefs

d

Interpretations of Locke’s assertions regarding a “state of freedom” and a “state also of equality” most directly influenced which of the following?


The grievances of American colonists during the Seven Years’ War (French and Indian War)

Option A,The grievances of American colonists during the Seven Years’ War (French and Indian War)

a

The political rhetoric of Patriots during the American Revolution

Option B,The political rhetoric of Patriots during the American Revolution

b

The end of American involvement in the international slave trade

Option C,The end of American involvement in the international slave trade

c

The demands by colonists to settle beyond the current frontier boundaries

Option D,The demands by colonists to settle beyond the current frontier boundaries

d

Answer 1

1) C — The acceptance of the divine right of kings.
Locke’s emphasis on natural freedom and equality undermined the idea that monarchs rule by divine mandate.

2) A — natural rights.
Locke’s argument was read as grounding government in protecting natural rights (life, liberty, property).

3) B — The political rhetoric of Patriots during the American Revolution.
Patriot leaders used Locke’s ideas about natural rights and consent to justify independence and republican government.