Absolutely essential for anyone who likes politics to read. ( )

Locke's Two Treatises of Government surprisingly lived up to my expectations. He argues in two parts: 1) apologists for monarchical governments are wrong and 2) the people of a society are the ones with ultimate power and sway over the social contract. This latter argument is the more important part for contemporary and present-day people that want to understand this thing we call "freedom." However, without the first Treatise, the second loses its context–it demonstrates Locke's motivation.

Additionally, I found the introductory material to the Cambridge Student Edition edited by Peter Laslett fascinating. Laslett provides context surround thing the history of the text alongside some useful analysis of Locke that made reading the Two Treatises much easier.

Locke should be required reading--to some extent--for people that wish to participate in and benefit from a democracy. ( )

It is Locke's contention that government is a result of the people themselves agreeing to be governed. The power of the ruler is conditional, based on the security of the common good. If government fails to ensure the welfare of society, it must forfiet its power. Locke concludes that ultimate sovereignty rests with the people. -- COL ( )