Second Treatise, Of Civil Government

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  • 1/10 Questions

    In a state of nature, a person

    • Has no power
    • Exerts whatever powers are necessary to preserve himself, and to punish crimes committed against natural law
    • Is in a state of war
    • Has no respect for property rights
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About This Quiz

This quiz focuses on John Locke's 'Second Treatise, of Civil Government', exploring fundamental principles such as equality, liberty, and the role of government in protecting private property. It assesses understanding of political society formation and law execution in Locke's state of nature.

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  • 2. 

    One of Locke's fundamental principles is

    • A major goal of government is the pursuit of happiness

    • Governments are established to serve the elite

    • All persons should be treated equally by government

    • Once established, governments cannot be dissolved

    Correct Answer
    A. All persons should be treated equally by government
    Explanation
    Locke's fundamental principle is that all persons should be treated equally by the government. This means that the government should not show favoritism or discrimination towards any individual or group. It implies that everyone should have equal rights, opportunities, and access to justice. This principle is important in ensuring fairness, justice, and the protection of individual rights within a society.

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  • 3. 

    In the state of nature described by John Locke

    • All persons are in a state of war with each other

    • Life is nasty, brutish, and short

    • Liberty is denied to all but the strongest

    • All persons possess liberty

    Correct Answer
    A. All persons possess liberty
    Explanation
    According to John Locke's description of the state of nature, all persons possess liberty. This means that individuals are free to act and make decisions without interference from others. In this state, there is no authority or government to impose restrictions on people's freedom. However, it is important to note that this liberty does not imply a peaceful or harmonious society, as Locke also acknowledges that in the absence of a governing authority, individuals may be in a state of war with each other.

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  • 4. 

    Persons enter into poltical society and government because

    • They seek a higher authority to protect their rights against invasion by others

    • The pursuit of happiness can only be guaranteed by government

    • They seek equality with each other

    • They common defense requires a strong government

    Correct Answer
    A. They seek a higher authority to protect their rights against invasion by others
    Explanation
    People enter into political society and government because they seek a higher authority to protect their rights against invasion by others. This means that individuals recognize the need for a governing body that can establish and enforce laws to ensure the protection of their fundamental rights. By forming a government, people aim to create a system that can safeguard their rights and provide a framework for resolving conflicts and maintaining order in society.

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  • 5. 

    The execution of the law of nature is,in the state of nature

    • In the hands of the executive

    • In the hands of the legislature

    • In the hands of the judiciary

    • In every person's hands

    Correct Answer
    A. In every person's hands
    Explanation
    In the state of nature, the execution of the law of nature is in every person's hands. This means that each individual is responsible for enforcing and upholding the laws of nature on their own. In this scenario, there is no centralized authority or governing body that is specifically designated to carry out the execution of the law. Instead, it is the collective responsibility of all individuals to ensure that the laws are followed and enforced.

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  • 6. 

    Private property is, according to Locke, inadequately protected in a state of nature because

    • The law of nature is not plain and intelligible to all rational persons

    • Persons do not agree that the protection of private property is a fundamental right

    • Persons in a state of nature are constantly at war with each other

    • The state of nature lacks an impartial judge and an executive capable of upholding judicial decisions protecting property rights

    Correct Answer
    A. The state of nature lacks an impartial judge and an executive capable of upholding judicial decisions protecting property rights
    Explanation
    In a state of nature, private property is inadequately protected because there is no impartial judge or executive to enforce and uphold judicial decisions regarding property rights. Without a governing authority to settle disputes and enforce property rights, individuals are left to defend their property on their own, leading to constant conflict and insecurity. This lack of a reliable and impartial system of justice makes private property vulnerable and unprotected in a state of nature.

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  • 7. 

    According to Locke, the supreme power of the Commonwealth is

    • The executive

    • The judiciary

    • The bureaucracy

    • The legislature

    Correct Answer
    A. The legislature
    Explanation
    Locke believed that the supreme power of the Commonwealth lies in the legislature. He argued that the legislative branch, consisting of elected representatives, should have the authority to make and pass laws. Locke emphasized the importance of the legislature in protecting the natural rights and interests of the people, as it is directly accountable to them. By giving the power to the legislature, Locke aimed to prevent any concentration of power in the hands of a single individual or group, ensuring a system of checks and balances within the government.

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  • 8. 

    Locke argues that government can only be dissolved when

    • It fails to protect the Commonwealth against foreign attacks

    • Laws are enacted that fail to protect private property

    • The judiciary assumes legislative authority

    • Government acts without the consent of the people

    Correct Answer
    A. Government acts without the consent of the people
    Explanation
    Locke argues that government can only be dissolved when it acts without the consent of the people. According to Locke, the legitimacy of a government lies in the consent of the governed, and when a government no longer respects the will and consent of the people, it loses its authority. This is a fundamental principle of Locke's social contract theory, where individuals willingly give up some of their rights to form a government that is supposed to protect their natural rights. When the government fails to fulfill its end of the social contract by acting without the consent of the people, it can be dissolved.

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  • 9. 

    According to John Locke, a primary end of government is

    • The preservation of equality among all citizens

    • To guarantee all citizens happiness

    • Economic prosperity

    • The protection of private property

    Correct Answer
    A. The protection of private property
    Explanation
    John Locke believed that one of the primary purposes of government is to protect the private property of its citizens. He argued that individuals have a natural right to acquire and possess property, and that government should exist to safeguard this right. Locke believed that the protection of private property is essential for the preservation of individual liberty and the pursuit of happiness. By ensuring that individuals can securely own and enjoy their property, government can promote economic prosperity and create a stable society.

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  • 10. 

    In John Locke's model of government, the power that each individual gives to society when he or she enters into it

    • Can never revert to the individuals again

    • Cannot revert to the individuals as long as the society lasts

    • Reverts to individuals only with the consent of the government

    • Can be reclaimed by individuals only if the government fails to protect private property

    Correct Answer
    A. Cannot revert to the individuals as long as the society lasts
    Explanation
    According to John Locke's model of government, the power that individuals give to society cannot revert back to the individuals as long as the society lasts. This implies that once individuals enter into society and give up their power, they cannot reclaim it while the society exists. Locke believed that the power given to society is necessary for the functioning and stability of the government and cannot be easily revoked by individuals.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Aug 03, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Kyancy
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