Two Treatises of Government

From the beginning of time, philosophers, politicians and otherwise concerned people have thought about the nature and structure of government. Few have been as influential as John Locke. Among the many who have influenced the course of history in general and the formation of The United States of America, none has had a greater part than John Locke. Locke's presentation of Natural Law supposes that social structures left to themselves will be better than those controlled by intrusive government. He proposes that nature has a way of doing things that is based on principles - the laws of nature. He also presents a convincing case for a government that is supportive and protective of human nature rather than powerful and imposing. It was their reliance on Locke that was underpinning of our Founding Fathers as they wrestled with the shape, form and limits of government in the forming of The United States. The references to Locke in the writings of those involved in our formation are many. The principles they put together in the shaping of our Constitution owe much to the writings of John Locke.