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Single Idea 19902

[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 4. Changing the State / c. Revolution ]

Full Idea

Having erect a legislative with the power of making laws, when they are hindered by any force from what is so necessary to society, and wherein the safety and preservation of the people consists, the people have a right to remove it by force.

Gist of Idea

Any obstruction to the operation of the legislature can be removed forcibly by the people

Source

John Locke (Second Treatise of Government [1690], 155)

Book Ref

Locke,John: 'Two Treatises of Government' [Everyman 1988], p.196


A Reaction

I doubt if he was thinking of the French Revolution, but this will clearly have application to the English events of 1642. The Speaker of the Commons was held down in his chair in the 1620s, so that some legislation could be enacted.