In John Locke's Second Treatise, Locke stresses the notion that men allow themselves to be governed to insure equality among themselves, and for the protection of their own rights. Locke's main thesis of his article is that people follow the laws of rationality and so a government of much power is unnecessary. This thesis clashes with the ideas of Thomas Hobbs who wrote on government philosophy and believed that all people naturally are brutes and the need for a powerful government is a must.
In the second paragraph, Locke speaks of equality among men. He states that no man is so much greater than all other men, or that he should be the one and only ruler. All men were born with the same rights; those of life, liberty, property and the pursuit of happiness. Even though nature may be a state of true liberty, it does not give one the right or allow another to harm these rights of life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness. Locke believed that even if there were no government to overlook the preservation of the law of Nature, men would not act against all rational law just because they could. Locke did, however, believe that everybody has the right to punish somebody within the bounds of rationale. We are capable of this because it is our right. .
Locke does question why men who have complete freedom and power over their lives would allow themselves to be governed. He is quick to point out several answers to this question, and does acknowledge the fact that self-interest sometimes clouds a person's rationale. For this reason, he says that a government is futile. Locke gives three reasons for giving up complete freedom. First, is the idea of common law and the benefits that it provides. Second, is the relief of knowing that if the law is broken, you can rely on an indifferent judge to punish the offender. The last reason is that with government, comes the power to promote and enforce justice.
