Second Treatise of Government, Chapter 18 summary
Chapter 18 of 19 · Book 2 · 11 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 18, tyranny means using governing power beyond lawful limits for private ends, and resistance is justified against unlawful force when legal protection is unavailable. The argument distinguishes resistance from ordinary rebellion, explains limits on opposing rulers, and shows how repeated abuses give people grounds to fear for their rights.
What happens
- Tyranny replaces lawful government for public benefit with power serving a ruler’s private desires.
- King James I supports the distinction between lawful kings and tyrants, and examples show that collective governments can also become tyrannical.
- Officials who exceed their legal authority may be resisted, regardless of their rank.
- Where law protects the king’s person, resistance can still target subordinates who carry out unlawful commands.
- Force is justified only when unlawful force prevents effective legal relief, as contrasting examples of robbery and withheld money explain.
- Repeated abuses that threaten the community give people grounds to distrust rulers and defend themselves.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Second Treatise of Government, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Starten Sie 90 Tage kostenlosNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
In this chapter
Quick check
Why may the person whose a sum of money is withheld not lawfully injure the holder?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Second Treatise of Government, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Starten Sie 90 Tage kostenlosNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
