Locke and Jefferson

The Declaration of Independence and John Locke’s Second Treatise on Government are two writings that set the tone of modern American government. Both documents had the intention of explaining the characteristics of a fair and just republic. Both of these documents expressed a desire for the masses to become familiar with their rights as a governed body. Locke referred to the rights of “life, liberty, health, and property.” (Locke, 1690) Similarly, Jefferson wrote about citizens having the rights to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” in The Declaration of Independence (Jefferson, 1776).

One point of contrast between The Declaration of Independence and Second Treatise on Government is the audience each was intended to inspire. The Second Treatise on Government was meant for a general audience. Locke’s purpose was to educate people about the methods of civil government. He spoke about the historical aspects of government, specifically by talking about the affects of the introduction of money. Locke writes about a time “Before the desire of having more than one needed had altered the intrinsic value of things.” (Locke, 1690) Jefferson’s intention when executing his writing was much more specific. He was writing with the educated men of the American colonies in mind. His aim was to incite them to declare war on England and fight for freedom from colonization. He provides specific examples of how colonists had been wronged by the king. One of his arguments is, “He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.”(Jefferson, 1776)
Although these two documents were created as an end to different means, they have both served as models for our present government.

References:

Jefferson, T. (1776). Declaration of Independence. Retrieved October 27, 2007 from <http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/declaration_transcript.html>

Locke, J. (1690). Second Treatise on Government. Retrieved October 27, 2007 from