Second Treatise of Government, Chapter 1 summary
Chapter 1 of 19 · Book 2 · 2 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 1, the speaker rejects claims that rulers derive authority from Adam and argues that government needs a different foundation from force or inherited fatherhood. He separates political authority from household powers and defines it as lawmaking and enforcement that protect property, defend the community, and serve only the public good.
What happens
- The speaker denies that Adam possesses authority through fatherhood or a divine grant.
- He argues that inheritance cannot establish rulers’ authority because succession lacks certainty and Adam’s eldest line is unknown.
- He rejects Sir Robert Filmer’s account and calls for another basis of government rather than force.
- He distinguishes political authority from the powers found in household and other personal relationships.
- He defines political power through laws, penalties, enforcement, and defense, all directed toward public benefit.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The argument separates possession of authority from any right to inherit it. This blocks one proposed route from Adam’s supposed power to present political rule.
Quick check
What purpose must all exercises of political power serve?
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