Topic > Thomas Hobbes and John Locke: Contribution to Community...

Locke's belief in the "consensus" of people creates a democratic structure of community. In this way, the community is created simply to protect people's rights and properties. His idealist government would have power controlled by those who are governed, the people. Locke explains that we must “create a single body politic, in which the majority shall have the right to act and decide the rest” (Locke 101). The government is a reflection of the “majority” of the community and will represent the wishes of the people. Power is held by those who are governed and have equal rights to decide their political outcomes. Locke explains that “where law ends, tyranny begins,” so once people's rights are suppressed, this injustice begins (Locke 102). Locke also explains that if a government were to act unjustly, not in the best interests of the majority, then it would be the right and responsibility of the people to overthrow the “tyranny” (Locke 102). People in power should always defend their human rights, especially from illegal rulers. This view of government changes with Hobbes' perspective. Hobbes believes that one man should govern the community, and therefore the government should have power in the ruler rather than in the people governed. This single ruler will be educated about the corrupt nature of humanity and its evil nature