Lesson 2: Why do we need government?
Essential John Locke: The Purpose of Government (Video)
One of John Locke's most enduring insights concerns the role of the state. Specifically, since the state existed to protect and enhance peoples' rights, Locke argued to limit the size and power of the state, which was a revolutionary concept at the time.
John Locke and America's Founders (Video)
America's Founders were influenced by the English philosopher John Locke, who arrived at his ideas by imagining what life might be like if people were living in a state of nature.
John Locke's Conception of Natural Rights: Ideas that Informed the American Founders (Video)
The English philosopher John Locke used social contract theory to justify the establishment of limited government and formulate natural rights.
