Full Idea
Absolute monarchy, which by some men is counted for the only government in the world, is inconsistent with civil society, and so can be no form of civil government at all.
Gist of Idea
Absolute monarchy is inconsistent with civil society
Source
John Locke (Second Treatise of Government [1690], 090)
Book Reference
Locke,John: 'Two Treatises of Government' [Everyman 1988], p.160
A Reaction
This is because citizens do not have a 'decisive' power to appeal for redress of injuries. Rousseau thought that there could be an absolute monarchy, as long as the general will agreed it, and its term of office could be brought to an end by the assembly.