Second Treatise of Government, Chapter 17 summary
Chapter 17 of 19 · Book 2 · 2 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 17, usurpation means taking authority that belongs to someone else, changing the ruler without necessarily changing the government’s structure. The argument makes lawful selection essential to government and denies an unauthorized ruler any claim to obedience unless the people freely consent to confirm that power.
What happens
- Usurpation resembles conquest within a community because someone seizes authority belonging to another.
- Usurpation alone changes who governs; exceeding the lawful ruler’s powers adds tyranny.
- Rules for choosing rulers are essential to lawful government and draw their authority from the people.
- Anyone who gains public power outside the community’s prescribed procedures lacks a right to obedience.
- Neither the usurper nor those claiming authority through him gain rightful power without the people’s actual, free consent.
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What can give a usurper rightful authority?
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