Who is John Locke and what idea is attributed to him in the material?

Who is John Locke and what idea is attributed to him in the material?

• A. He proposed that government exists for the people and may be rebelled if rights are violated
• B. He proposed that government should be absolute and unchallengeable
• C. He argued for the divine right of kings
• D. He argued for a direct democracy with no rulers

Answer: (A)

John Locke is known for arguing that a government’s authority comes from the consent of the governed and exists to protect people’s natural rights—life, liberty, and property. The idea attributed here notes that governments are there to serve the people, and if they fail to guard those rights or violate them, the people have the right to resist or overthrow the government. This reflects Locke’s view of government as limited and conditional, designed to secure rights rather than rule absolutely. The other ideas described fit different philosophies: an absolute, unchallengeable authority aligns more with a Hobbesian view; the divine-right of kings ties to monarchs legitimized by God; and a direct democracy with no rulers isn’t what Locke advocated. So the statement about government existing for the people and the right to rebel when rights are violated best captures Locke’s concept.

John Locke is known for arguing that a government’s authority comes from the consent of the governed and exists to protect people’s natural rights—life, liberty, and property. The idea attributed here notes that governments are there to serve the people, and if they fail to guard those rights or violate them, the people have the right to resist or overthrow the government. This reflects Locke’s view of government as limited and conditional, designed to secure rights rather than rule absolutely.

The other ideas described fit different philosophies: an absolute, unchallengeable authority aligns more with a Hobbesian view; the divine-right of kings ties to monarchs legitimized by God; and a direct democracy with no rulers isn’t what Locke advocated. So the statement about government existing for the people and the right to rebel when rights are violated best captures Locke’s concept.