Analysis of Locke and Rousseau Idieas - Coursework Example

Locke and Rousseau Introduction Social contract is the cornerstone of American political system. The idea is that the government exists to serve the interests of citizens. John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau were pioneers of social contract theories. Rousseau discussed social contract in his books, the social contract and principles of political right by stressing popular sovereignty where the will of the people gives the power to the government (Morgan 19). Locke emphasized on the role of individual and the right of people to demonstrate against the government. Rousseau believes that people can abandon personal rights and freedoms for the sake of social benefits and freedoms. John Locke believes men have natural rights and the State should ensure justice is done. Locke rejects monarchies and advocates for separation of powers in the government. According to Locke, political power entails laws that punish offenders in order to protect the private property. Locke asserts that the government should guarantee liberty through the separation of powers (Morgan 23). Private property John Locke championed individual possession of private property by asserting that the State should avoid disputes over private property. According to Locke, private property disputes may be local or international; they may also cause global wars and civil wars. Locke asserts that men have unequal possessions of the earth and that man is a proprietor of his own. However, Rousseau believes that individual private property rights are subordinate to civil rights over property. He believes the community has absolute right of the individual property (Morgan 59). Both Locke and Rousseau agrees with each other on the existence of government in securing property rights but differ since Locke asserts that private property right is a natural right while Rousseau believes property rights are awarded by social contract to the individual (Morgan 74). Rousseau believes sovereignty can never be exercised with degree of force when the private property rights are not subordinate. Rousseau believes the State has the right to regulate inheritances, wills and property contracts. Unlike Locke, he endorses private property right but maintains the right of sovereignty to intervene for the purpose of ensuring equality and civil unity. Rousseau argues that the social pact will begin by the total alienation of private property to the community in order for the property to receive legal form. Locke advocates for prosperity through transformation of labor but Rousseau argues that such men produce a lot of wealth that is not equally shared in the community (Morgan 88). Role of the sovereign Locke asserts that people should be fee to do what they want. Locke further explains that people are bound by the State of nature but are equal hence have stronger moral limits. In the second treatise of government, Locke asserts that the world is a place of freedom where people are free to dispose their property within the limitations of nature without requesting any permission from any other man. Locke asserts that no person is entitled to harm the life, liberty, health or property of another. His arguments on the State of nature lead him to argue that sovereign power should belong to the citizenry. According to Locke, any legitimate power is responsible and should obey the law hence sovereign is below the law. Locke further argues that sovereign can be accused for violating the oaths of office and citizens have the right to overthrow the sovereign if their rights and taxes or property has been violated. Locke concludes by asserting that the legitimacy of the sovereign is upon the citizens but not the power of the individual or institution (Morgan 99). On the other side, Rousseau asserts that people are born free yet they live in chains. Rousseau claims that freedom is inherent in mankind but inequality and slavery is created by social environment but not natural situations. Rousseau set the basis for most European and American democracies. In sad twist, Rousseau considers the society to have competing interests of groups and individuals. He claims that dictatorship by the government is necessary in restoring peace and order whenever there is civil emergency. He claims that the government can restore public morality through censorship. He also advocates for strict government laws on punishment by asserting that if the State declares death penalty to an individual, such individual should be punished by death since social contract terms support the claim that individual life belongs to the State and not the particular individual. He concludes by advocating for formation of a civil religion where non-conformists are expelled for non-compliance (Morgan 139). Purpose of government According to Locke, the main purpose of establishing a civil government is to protect the rights of citizens, freedom and ensure security in the society. He believes the civil government lacks the mandate to take away individual liberties and property arbitrarily. Locke argues against a government that is run like a business corporation where citizens are taxed highly and personal property confiscated since individual rights are violated. On the other hand, Rousseau champions for democracy by asserting authority belongs to the people and controls to the government are necessary. Rousseau offers three forms of government where he cautions on the danger of democracy in particular cases like when individuals’ pressures exist. He concludes by asserting that success of the government is measured by common good of the community (Morgan 189). Legislative branch Locke asserts that the purpose of legislative branch is to provide order in the society by enacting laws that seek to preserve and transfer property. The legislative branch should decide on standing laws while the executive branch should ensure the laws are fully complied with. Locke assumes that legislative power should be vested to representative assembly that retains supreme power. The executive branch and federal functions should be conducted by ministers and magistrates whose duty and power is conferred to them by the legislative branch. On the other hand, Rousseau the legislative function belongs to all the citizens and should be done by all citizens in equal measure. He believes that laws should be passed by all citizens through voting as a legitimate expression of general will. Rousseau does not see the need of people representation since they should be controlled by the government (Morgan219). Executive branch Locke argues that the executive branch of government should not prevent legislative branch from exercising a lawful mandate. The people have the absolute right to remove the executive from power when it interferes with the duties of the legislative branch. The citizens have right of liberty and property protection and to defend themselves from violent members of the society. Rousseau believes that all people are born magistrates but only become magistrates through election. He states that different people should be tasked with legislation while others are tasked with executive functions (Morgan 245). Conclusion According to Locke, the government exists due to wishes of the citizens and the purpose of the government is to protect natural rights and property. Locke claims that people have the right to revolution if government fails in its mandate. Rousseau believes that social contract consists of all people in the community and citizens have to obey laws or be compelled to adhere to them. According to law of nature, Locke asserts that men are free and equal and mankind should be preserved. Rousseau believes that law of nature is morality and should be safeguarded without harming another person. Works cited: Morgan, Michael. Classics of moral and political theory. London. Hackett Publishing Company Inc. 2006. Read More