Second Treatise of Government, Chapter 16 summary
Chapter 16 of 19 · Book 2 · 19 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 16, the argument separates military victory from lawful political authority, denying that conquest alone can establish government or bind innocent people and their descendants. Even a just conqueror gains power only over participating aggressors and limited compensation, while legitimate government still requires free consent and respect for property.
What happens
- Conquest cannot establish government without consent, and an unjust victor gains no right to obedience.
- A just conqueror gains no authority over his allies or innocent inhabitants, but gains despotic power over participating aggressors.
- Compensation for war damage must respect innocent family members’ property and their need for support.
- Promises extracted by force do not bind, and defeated parents cannot surrender their children’s freedom.
- Descendants retain rights to inherited property and may reject imposed government until they freely consent.
- Even conquerors must honor property grants and promises; resistance to rule imposed without right is not an offense against God.
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Whose urgent needs can limit a just conqueror’s claim to compensation?
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