Locke believed that although we have the right to freedom, but that it does not give anyone the opportunity to abuse it. In the Second Treatise on Civil Government he states that “…no one should harm another in his life, health, liberties, or possessions” (Locke 2). Similarly, Locke believes that these rights are granted to us by the government at birth. Locke says that a government has a duty to preserve the rights of the people. But if they fail in this respect, Locke says that rebellion is permissible. He writes: "...if a long series of actions shows that the advice all tends in that direction; how can a man still prevent himself from being persuaded in his own mind how things are going; or by casting how save himself… (Locke 1). Thomas Paine was not influenced by Locke in Common Sense, but Locke undoubtedly had a significant role in shaping Paine's views 'gaining independence. At least to some extent, Locke had a great influence on the writings and ideology of Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine and thus on the creation of the United States of