The Enlightenment

Locke is a firm believer in separation of power. Though, he does believe that the main purpose of legislation is to set the rules, not to be breathing down societies neck trying to get them to form to the way they think society should run. Also, he thinks the judicial branch should be there just to interperet the rules. This idea is very influential in the Declaration of Independence. The Founding Fathers took this idea and made the 3 branches of government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. Lock wrote about peoples right. As in it is the peoples right to dissolve the government around them if they see if is contradicting the Constitution. This was clearly Locke's influence in the writing of the Constitution.

Punishment

Locke trusted few. He believed in putting the important roles and positions to inteligent leaders, and let them rule the masses. His quote about the majority of ignorants "always craving, never satisfied" refers to the idea that people won't stop once they've gotten what they want. In other words, they will always want more and the grass will always be greener. This is why he prefers to put the "politcal control in the hands of the few rather than the many" (Moseley).

John Lock is the man behing the philisophical idea of natural rights. He belives in government only for "securing rights and property of its citizens" (Moseley). These natural laws or natural rights are very prominent in the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights. It is very clearly stated in the declaration that "all men are created equal." One of the most prominent influences by Locke was the phrase "Life, liberty, and the pursuti of happiness." Also, Locke believes in minimalistic view on government. He thinks if there was no government, the anarchic ways would take over, but some government is needed.

John Locke

"Murders and thieves deserve death, for a man has a right to destroy that which threatens his life"

Separation of Powers

Locke's ideas on pushishment are such that he believes that each individual has the right to punish themselves or another if a natural law is broken. Since these natural laws are set by mankind, there is no need for punishment to be given only by people of political power. He believes if only "political sovereigns" (stanford) give out punishments, then who punishes them? We should each punish each other and ourselves for breaking laws set by nature.

Religious TolerationJohn Locke, a devote Christian, believes that force is not the proper way to bring people to salvation. He believes that persecuting for their religion is unethical and that everyone should accept the others religion. His thoughts on religion and government are such that governments should not force religion upon its people. He believes religion is a voluntary organization and should not be forced upon anyone. Locke's views on religion and government greatly influenced the Founding Fathers by not creating a religion for the United States, but rather have religious toleration for everyone.

Natural Laws

Sources:1. http://www.iep.utm.edu/locke-po/#SH6a2. http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke-political/#ConPolOblEndGov