Cover of Second Treatise of Government

Second Treatise of Government

by John Locke

First published
1691
Reading level
Demanding
Price
Free

About the book

"Second Treatise of Government" by John Locke is a political philosophy work published in 1689. Writing anonymously during England's turbulent revolution, Locke outlines a radical vision of society founded on natural rights and government by consent rather than divine authority. His ideas challenge the established order, arguing that legitimate power flows from the people, not kings claiming God-given rule. This foundational text of liberal political theory emerged from dangerous conspiracies and exile, so controversial that Locke never acknowledged authorship during his lifetime.

  • Political science
  • Toleration
  • Liberty

Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #7370. Second Treatise of Government on Wikipedia.

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