Natural Rights Philosophy
Directions: Please skim all PROMPTS & QUESTIONS before you READ the
designated PAGE.
SECTION 1: JOHN LOCKE AND HIS INFLUENCE ON AMERICAN GOVT (p.
14)
Who is he and why is he significant? (p. 14)
English Philosopher (1632-1704); believed the main
purpose of government was to PROTECT PEOPLE’S
NATURAL RIGHTS, kings should not have absolute power
(power without limits) & deprive the people of their
NATURAL RIGHTS.
JOHN
LOCKE
What is a state of Nature?
SECTION 2: JOHN LOCKE’S PHILOSOPHY (p. 16)
No governments or laws exist at all
LOCKE’S QUESTIONS YOUR ANSWERS

1. What is human nature?
2. What should be the main purpose of
government?
3. How do people who run government
get the right to govern?
4. What kinds of government should
people support and obey?
5. What kinds of government should
people resist?
6. How did the FOUNDING FATHERS use John Locke’s ideas?
Declaration of Independence – to explain why Americans were
opposed to British rule

SECTION 3: NATURAL RIGHTS AND A STATE OF NATURE (p. 16)
Property
Life Own things necessary for
Survival survival
Be safe from threats Freedom to work and gain
economic benefits
Define
NATURAL RIGHTS: all
people are born with
these rights
Directions:
LABEL and
DEFINE each
Natural Right
Liberty
Be free
Make decisions
Live as they please
SECTION 4: WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IN A STATE OF NATURE? (P. 17)
1a. According to Locke, are most people reasonable and good? __YES____
1b. Why do most people respect the rights of others? Conscience, duty
1c. What also drives SOME people? Self-interest
1d. What might people who are stronger or more skilled do in a state of nature?
Abuse those that are weaker or less skilled

2a. According to Locke what happens to people who are weaker in a state of
nature? Difficult to protect their natural rights and may join with others against
the strong
3. What would happen to people’s natural rights in a state of nature? No one’s
life, liberty, or property would be safe, insecurity would rise
4a. How do people get the RIGHT to govern? The PEOPLE give their consent
4b. Define Consent: approval
4c. Where does the power for a legitimate government come from? Consent of
the PEOPLE
SECTION 5: WHY DO PEOPLE AGREE TO FORM A SOCIAL CONTRACT (p.
18)?
1. Define Social Contract: each individual aggress to create and live under a
government and give government power to make and enforce laws.
2. What must people give up for a social contract? Absolute right to do
anything he/she wants to do
3. What do people gain in a social contract? Security of their natural rights being
protected
4. On board the Mayflower the Pilgrims and the Strangers agreed to a social contract
providing equal and just laws for all. What was the name of this social compact?
Mayflower Compact