Single Idea 19863

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 1. Purpose of a State]

Full Idea

Political power is the right of making laws, with penalties up to death, for the preserving of property, employing the force of community in the execution of such laws, in defence of the commonwealth, and only for the common good.

Gist of Idea

Politics is the right to make enforceable laws to protect property and the state, for the common good

Source

John Locke (Second Treatise of Government [1690], 003)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Two Treatises of Government' [Everyman 1988], p.118


A Reaction

Since political power can be used for selfish corruption and genocide, this isn't very accurate, so I take it this is how power ought to be exercised! Notice that defence gets equal billing with his famous defence of property.