Once a government fails to protect, or, worse yet, harms, the citizens' property, that government dissolves its right to legitimately rule the people, giving right to the collective to establish a new government. Locke argues that only a long train of abuses such as the use of tyrannical and capricious power against the collective enslavement, and arbitrary rule without regard to the moral will justifies a revolt against the government. Thus, the universal maxim that a citizen must always help another individual facing imminent harm justifies resistance to a state that uses unjust force against its citizens.
Involved deeply in the theory of consent is Locke's interpretation of political obligation. Locke views government as essential to the evolution of a civil society in which the inconveniences of the state of nature are rejected while the safety and security men desire are protected by government. Therefore, the people, as part of the social contract, have a duty to obey the laws instituted by government and to accept the concept of majority rule as fundamental to the continued equality of the society. In consenting to political authority, men agree to allow the body with the greater force to influence policy. Men must have confidence in the proper functioning of government because they rely on the social compact. Their obligation is to abide by the terms of the compact so that both people and government enjoy smooth sailing. .
If any of the powers in government make a move to take away and destroy the property of the people, or to reduce them to slavery under arbitrary power then the people are no longer expected to obey the political authority. If the government is guilty of a breach of trust they forfeit the power. Locke believes that giving the people the option to rebel does not provoke frequent uprising against government. On the contrary, this option being open is a protective measure and keeps things in order, for the people will realize there is a way out if the government ceases to represent their interests.
