The Enlightenment — Quiz

Question 9 • World History

Under what circumstances did John Locke think it would be acceptable for the people to overthrow the government?

Answer

If the government failed to accept new natural rights, the people could overthrow the government.

If the people were to break the social contract and seek a different type of rule, the people could overthrow the government.

If the government violated the social contract, the people could overthrow the government.

It is never acceptable, as overthrowing the government would be a violation of the social contract.

Explanation

Locke argued that government gets its authority from the people through a social contract, and its main duty is to protect their natural rights. If the government violates that contract—such as by failing to protect those rights or acting against the people—the people may withdraw their consent and replace it. Therefore, the correct choice is C, “If the government violated the social contract.”

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