What was the main idea behind John Locke's theory of government?

• A. The state should have absolute power.
• B. The government’s power is derived from the consent of the governed.
• C. Citizens are entitled to individual property rights.
• D. Revolution is justified when the government fails.

Answer: (B)

The main idea behind John Locke's theory of government is that the government's power is derived from the consent of the governed. Locke argued that legitimate political authority comes from the agreement of the people to form a government that is accountable to their needs and wishes. This concept emphasizes the importance of democracy and individual rights, suggesting that a government exists primarily to serve its citizens and protect their rights.

Locke believed that the purpose of government is to safeguard natural rights, which include life, liberty, and property. If a government oversteps its bounds or fails to protect these rights, the people have both the right and the responsibility to withdraw their consent and seek a new government. This idea laid the groundwork for modern democratic principles and has had a significant impact on various political systems, especially in the context of limited government and individual freedoms.

In contrast, the other concepts do not capture the essence of Locke’s philosophy as accurately. The notion of absolute power contradicts Locke's belief in limited government, while the entitlement to property rights is one aspect of his theory but not the overarching principle. The justification of revolution, while related to Locke's thoughts on government failure, serves more as a condition of his theory rather than its main idea.