John Locke In The Declaration Of Independence

The Declaration of Independence, a cornerstone document in American history, is more than just a declaration of freedom from British rule. It's a philosophical manifesto, deeply rooted in the ideas of the Enlightenment. Among the intellectual giants whose thoughts shaped this declaration, John Locke stands out as a towering figure. His theories on natural rights, government by consent, and the right to revolution provided the very foundation upon which Thomas Jefferson and the drafting committee built their case for independence. Understanding the influence of John Locke in the Declaration of Independence is crucial to grasping the document's meaning and its enduring impact on the world.

Locke's philosophy wasn't merely a footnote in the Declaration; it was the very air the document breathed. He championed the notion that individuals are born with inherent rights that no government can legitimately take away. This concept, along with his ideas on limited government and the social contract, are explicitly reflected in the Declaration's most famous passages. Delving into Locke's political philosophy and tracing its specific influence on the Declaration unveils the profound intellectual debt that the American founders owed to this English philosopher.

John Locke: A Brief Overview of His Political Philosophy

John Locke (1632-1704) was an English philosopher and physician widely regarded as one of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers. His political philosophy, particularly as expressed in his Two Treatises of Government, challenged the traditional notions of divine right and absolute monarchy. Instead, Locke argued for a government based on the consent of the governed, emphasizing individual rights and freedoms.

• Natural Rights: Locke posited that all individuals are born with inherent natural rights, including the right to life, liberty, and property. These rights are not granted by any government but are intrinsic to human existence.
• State of Nature: Locke imagined a "state of nature" where individuals are free and equal, governed by natural law, which dictates that no one should harm another in their life, health, liberty, or possessions.
• Social Contract: To escape the inconveniences of the state of nature, individuals enter into a social contract, agreeing to surrender some of their freedom to a government in exchange for protection of their natural rights.
• Limited Government: Locke advocated for a limited government with defined powers, accountable to the people. He believed that government should be divided into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent tyranny.
• Right to Revolution: Locke argued that if a government violates the social contract by infringing upon natural rights, the people have the right to alter or abolish it and establish a new government that better protects their rights.

The Echoes of Locke in the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, is replete with Lockean ideas. Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration, drew heavily upon Locke's philosophy to articulate the American colonists' grievances against King George III and their justification for independence.

1. Natural Rights: The Declaration famously proclaims that all men are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." This statement is a clear echo of Locke's theory of natural rights. While Locke identified "property" as a key natural right, Jefferson substituted it with "the pursuit of Happiness." Some scholars argue that this change was influenced by other Enlightenment thinkers or reflected Jefferson's own evolving views. However, the core concept of inherent, God-given rights remains directly traceable to Locke.

2. Government by Consent: The Declaration asserts that governments derive "their just powers from the consent of the governed." This principle is a cornerstone of Locke's social contract theory. Locke argued that legitimate government must be based on the voluntary agreement of the people, not on divine right or force. The Declaration echoes this idea, emphasizing that the American colonists were no longer willing to consent to be governed by a king who had repeatedly violated their rights.

3. Right to Revolution: The Declaration lays out a long list of grievances against King George III, accusing him of "a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object to evince a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism." It then declares that "it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish" a government that becomes destructive of their rights. This is a direct application of Locke's right to revolution. Locke argued that revolution is not only permissible but sometimes necessary when a government becomes tyrannical. The Declaration uses Lockean reasoning to justify the American Revolution as a legitimate response to the King's alleged tyranny.

Specific Examples of Lockean Influence

To further illustrate the extent of Locke's influence, let's examine specific passages in the Declaration and compare them to Locke's writings:

• Declaration: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
• Locke (Two Treatises of Government): "The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it, which obliges every one: and reason, which is that law, teaches all mankind, who will but consult it, that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions."

The similarities are striking. Both passages emphasize the inherent equality of individuals and their possession of natural rights. While Jefferson uses the phrase "pursuit of Happiness" instead of "property," the underlying concept of individuals having a right to pursue their own well-being remains consistent with Locke's philosophy.

• Declaration: "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
• Locke (Two Treatises of Government): "Political power, then, I take to be a right of making laws with penalties of death, and consequently all less penalties, for the regulating and preserving of property, and of employing the force of the community, in the execution of such laws, and in the defence of the commonwealth from foreign injury; and all this only for the public good."

Both passages highlight the purpose of government as being to protect individual rights and emphasize that government's legitimacy derives from the consent of the governed. Locke's definition of political power as being limited to the public good resonates with the Declaration's emphasis on just powers.

• Declaration: "That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
• Locke (Two Treatises of Government): "Whenever the legislators endeavor to take away and destroy the property of the people, or to reduce them to slavery under arbitrary power, they put themselves into a state of war with the people, who are thereupon absolved from any further obedience, and are left to the common refuge which God hath provided for all men against force and violence."

Both passages articulate the right to revolution when a government becomes tyrannical and fails to protect the rights of the people. Locke's assertion that people are absolved from obedience when a government acts arbitrarily aligns with the Declaration's justification for breaking away from British rule.

Beyond the Declaration: Locke's Enduring Influence on American Thought

Locke's influence extends far beyond the Declaration of Independence. His ideas permeated the entire American Revolution and shaped the development of American political thought.

• The Constitution: The U.S. Constitution, with its emphasis on limited government, separation of powers, and protection of individual rights, reflects Lockean principles. The Bill of Rights, which guarantees fundamental freedoms such as speech, religion, and assembly, is a testament to Locke's enduring legacy.
• American Political Culture: Locke's emphasis on individual liberty, self-government, and the rule of law has profoundly shaped American political culture. These values are deeply ingrained in the American ethos and continue to influence political debates and policy decisions.
• Global Impact: Locke's ideas have also had a significant impact on the world stage. His theories on natural rights and government by consent have inspired democratic movements and constitutional reforms in countries around the globe.

Criticisms and Interpretations

While Locke's influence on the Declaration of Independence is undeniable, it is important to acknowledge that his philosophy has also been subject to criticism and varying interpretations.

• Exclusion and Inequality: Critics point out that Locke's concept of natural rights did not extend to all people during his time. He condoned slavery and did not advocate for equal rights for women or people of color. Therefore, some argue that the Declaration's proclamation of equality was hypocritical, given the prevalence of slavery in the American colonies.
• Property Rights: Locke's emphasis on property rights has also been criticized for potentially leading to economic inequality. Some argue that an overemphasis on property rights can justify the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, at the expense of the majority.
• Interpretation of "Pursuit of Happiness": The substitution of "pursuit of Happiness" for "property" in the Declaration has been subject to various interpretations. Some scholars argue that it reflects a broader understanding of human flourishing that goes beyond material possessions, while others suggest it was a pragmatic choice to appeal to a wider audience.

Despite these criticisms, Locke's contribution to the Declaration of Independence remains significant. His ideas provided the intellectual framework for the American Revolution and helped to establish the principles of individual liberty, government by consent, and the right to revolution, which continue to resonate in American society and around the world.

The Enduring Relevance of Locke's Ideas

Even today, John Locke's ideas remain remarkably relevant. As societies grapple with issues such as government overreach, protection of individual freedoms, and the balance between individual rights and collective well-being, Locke's philosophy provides a valuable framework for analysis and debate.

• Human Rights: Locke's concept of natural rights continues to inform the international human rights movement. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, draws heavily upon Lockean principles, asserting that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
• Democratic Governance: Locke's advocacy for government by consent remains a cornerstone of democratic governance. The idea that governments should be accountable to the people and derive their legitimacy from their consent is essential for ensuring political stability and protecting individual freedoms.
• Limited Government: Locke's emphasis on limited government continues to be debated in contemporary politics. Advocates for limited government argue that it is necessary to protect individual liberty and prevent tyranny, while others contend that government intervention is sometimes necessary to address social and economic inequality.

In conclusion, the influence of John Locke in the Declaration of Independence is profound and enduring. His theories on natural rights, government by consent, and the right to revolution provided the intellectual foundation for the American Revolution and shaped the development of American political thought. While Locke's ideas have been subject to criticism and varying interpretations, his contribution to the Declaration remains undeniable. His legacy continues to resonate in contemporary debates about human rights, democratic governance, and the role of government in society. Understanding Locke's influence is crucial for appreciating the historical significance of the Declaration and its enduring relevance in the 21st century. How do you think Locke's ideas apply to current political issues?