Paper Topic:

Locke

Running Head : The Individual verses Government

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The Individual verses Tyrannical Government

Despite the primary role of duly elected governments being to preserve preserve life and liberty , individual citizens carry the greater responsibilities of protecting themselves from harm depending on the state for security leads to being exposed to other dangers . It is in this regard that subsequent sections of the analysis argues on providing members of the society with the liberty to take care of their personal security . First to be addressed

is an investigation on whether John Locke is right in demanding personal responsibility and the effects of his approach in society . Rest of the analysis shall conclusively support the ideas mentioned in the beginning sections

John Locke 's resistance theory correctly affirms that the individual is free to disown a government that is not meeting its primary objective of protecting individual liberty . Revolting from oppressive regimes is a sure way of the masses to embark on developing systems that guarantee long term protection of their liberties and property , whereas the continued rule by the regimes mean unending misery . Taking the matter on their own hands result to the regimes being replaced with more respectable ones , which are also subject to replacement when they embark on abusing liberty (Laslett , 1982 ,

. 261 . Individuals in the society are thus interested in the long run effects of security situation . On the other hand , governments , whether tyrannical or democratic , has focus on immediate success achieved in the society . The societal approach of success in achieving long rum goals is stronger compared to the short focus provided by state players . Government 's short term approach to citizenry security arises from the short period that leader stay in the office . Given that new leadership intends to show concern and change society depending on the state for security ends up with constant change policies that end up disrupting people 's ability to cope with the change

Despite Locke 's strong arguments in favour of the masses taking responsibility the protection of liberties by first overthrowing tyrannical governments , the rises a concern the that the poor in respective societies end up being exposed to more damaging dangers . As a result , the masses are faced with the challenge of taking care of their security fears . On the other hand , the well to do in the community can easily take care of their security issues with ease . However authorities rarely distinguish between the rich and poor when undertaking punishments . As a result , it is the masses that suffer most when stern measures regarding rebellions are taken by the ruling authorities . Exposing the masses on the grave consequences of rebellions is therefore the most negative effect of Locke 's arguments

Locke is however perfectly correct in asserting that the masses are the ones best positioned to protect self from negative consequences of government provided security . This especially rises from fact that individual members of the society have better understanding of the dangers that could...

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