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  • Essay / Thomas Hobbes and John Locke: contribution to community...

    Locke's belief in the "consent" of the people creates a democratic structure of community. In this way, the community is simply created to protect the rights and property of the people. His idealistic government would like power to be controlled by those who are governed, the people. Locke explains that we must “create one body politic, in which the majority have the right to act and conclude the rest” (Locke 101). The government is a reflection of the “majority” of the community and will represent the wishes of the community. people. Power is held by those who are governed, and they have equal rights in deciding their political outcome. Locke explains that “where law ends, tyranny begins,” so once the rights of the people are taken away, this injustice begins (Locke 102). Locke also explains that if a government should act unjustly, without serving the best interest of the majority, then the people have the right and responsibility to overthrow the “tyranny” (Locke 102). The people, who hold the power, should always defend their human rights, especially against illegal rulers. This view of government evolves with Hobbes's perspective. Hobbes believes that one man should rule the community and therefore the government should have the power in the ruler rather than in the people being governed. This one ruler will be informed of the corrupt nature of humanity and the evil nature of