In my blog post I will be discussing the point in which it is acceptable, under Locke, to rebel from a government. The main section I will be talking about is chapter 19 (section 219-222).
In this section, Locke starts off by stating that when the state ceases to function for the people, it must be dissolved and is acceptable to be replaced. It may be replaced when the legislative is changed or seized by a tyrannical power, when the legislative or executive power goes against its trust, or when the executive power ignores its own duties and makes the law meaningless. When government is dissolved or ceases to deliver for its citizens, “the people are at liberty to provide for themselves, by erecting a new legislative, differing from the other…” Locke feels that it is justifiable to rebel against a government because citizens are slow in changing their old habits, if people are miserable they will rebel against any system and finally, revolutions occur only when there is a flagrant abuse of power or breach of trust. Locke’s justifications protect against rebellion because they allow the people to change their legislative and laws, as opposed to resorting to force to overthrow them. Locke also protects rebellion through saying that all concerns about revolution are irrational because they show a fear of a process that is rightful and dignified for citizens to rebel against unjust oppression. It is up to the people of society to determine whether their government is protecting citizens or not, and when it is time to rebel.
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