The Writings Of John Locke And Jean Jacques Rousseau

The writings of John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau have had a significant impact on the controversy of what constitutes legitimate political power. They both believe in man’s natural mortality, and they also state that creating a social contract and legitimate government is necessary to avoid conflict. Both philosophers hold different perspectives and opinions, however they are both concerned with the same question: What renders exercises of a political power legitimate? Rousseau and Locke have several similarities within their theories, but there are also a number of substantial differences. Rousseau’s theory can be viewed as much more absolutist compared to Locke’s, because Rousseau believes that the legitimacy of political power is†¦show more content†¦Thus, the citizens become a collective body called the â€Å"sovereign†, which is considered to be the supreme authority of the state. The sovereign acts based upon the interest of the common g ood, or the â€Å"general will†. The sovereign also exercises their political power through laws, which must ensure equality and liberty. Locke defines political power as â€Å"the right of making laws with penalties of death [†¦] for the regulating and preserving of property [†¦] and in the defence of the common-wealth from foreign injury; and all this only for the public good† (8). However, he makes clear of the fact that a political power without the consent of all individuals, is not legitimate. Locke writes that â€Å"no one can be put out of this estate, and subjected to the political power of another, without his own consent. The only way whereby any one divests himself of his natural liberty, and puts on the bonds of civil society, is by agreeing with other men to join and unite into a community† (Locke 52). In other words, he says that a political society does not exist unless individuals consensually form into one. John Locke claims that men are naturally born free and equal, however they give up some of their rights to the government in order to preserve their property (64). Governmen ts only exist because of the consent of the people, and they serve the purpose of protecting the rights of individuals in a society, as well as promoting common good. Locke thenShow MoreRelatedThe Political Writings Of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke And Jean Jacques Rousseau1772 Words   |  8 PagesThe political writings of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau focus a great deal of their work discussing various views of the state of nature, and the human nature for the establishment of political authority. These three theorists have many differing opinions of the purpose and reality of the state of nature, the purpose of government and the impact of founders and how men secure their rights. 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