In: Economics
1. Discuss John Locke’s idea that, in a state of nature, everyone would be political equals and free of constraints, and how those rights affect American institutions. 2. According to Adam Smith, how does free market competition provide greater benefits than government interference? 3. Discuss Karl Marx’s view on how capitalist economies alienate workers.
1. Locke is one of the most influential political philosophers of modern period. In his books, John Locke claims of a state of nature where men are free, equal, and independent. He advocated the social contract and government by consent. He also argue that government must respect the rights of individuals.
In the second chapter of Locke's book, Second Treatise of Government, he says that men in the state of nature are free and equal, and have liberty to do as they wish but only within the bounds of the law of nature. Locke says that individuals have right to property and also have a duty to respect the property of others even in the state of nature, a duty which Locke traces to natural law.
Locke says that the main role of government is to protect rights of individuals that they cannot protect in the state of nature effectively. According to him,the government should protect citizens right to life, property and liberty. Any government which failed to do so could be properly removed.
Locke had a great influence in the shaping of foundations United States. That the ruler must have the consent of those being governed and the idea that people have right to throw a government,if it failed to protect the rights(of life, property and liberty) deeply influenced Thomas Jefferson as he drafted the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.