mckaywest11e

Chapter Chronology

Quiz for Primary Source 15.5: John Locke, Two Treatises of Government

Question

1. According to Locke, what was the central purpose of government?

To provide a decent standard of living to all

To enrich all citizens

To protect private property

To conquer new lands for the glory of its citizens

Correct. The answer is c. According to Locke, governments existed so that “men might have and secure their properties.”

Incorrect. The answer is c. According to Locke, governments existed so that “men might have and secure their properties.”

Question

2. In Locke’s view, under what conditions could leaders impose taxes on the people?

When the majority of the people gave their consent

Whenever a real need arose

Under no conditions whatsoever

Whenever the ruling elite considered it necessary

Correct. The answer is a. Locke believed that taxes were just and necessary but that they could be legitimately levied only with the consent of the governed.

Incorrect. The answer is a. Locke believed that taxes were just and necessary but that they could be legitimately levied only with the consent of the governed.

Question

3. According to Locke, which of these justified rebellion?

The passing of unpopular legislation by the people’s representatives

The nation’s defeat in one or more wars

An effort by any individual or group to make laws without the people’s consent

A prolonged period of economic depression

Correct. The answer is c. In Locke’s view, any effort to make laws without the people’s consent nullified the people’s obligations to the existing government.

Incorrect. The answer is c. In Locke’s view, any effort to make laws without the people’s consent nullified the people’s obligations to the existing government.