Locke and Publius: Comparing Their Views on Civil Government

Throughout history there have been significant debates, theories and agendas set forward as to what the best form of government is. Many of those individuals and groups who have written on the topic have their critics because they offer points that are highly controversial in theory and problematic when put into practice. John Locke and Publius, which is the collective name for Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay, both published essays with regards to the nature of government and largely championed the notion of democracy. With Locke writing on constitutional government in England and Publius writing on and essentially establishing governmental mechanisms in the United States, both parties inspired the rise of liberalism and democratic government in the modern world (Tinder, 67). However, there are questions to be asked of them and indeed comparisons to be made. This essay will examine the arguments set forth by Publius and Locke with a view to proving that they do indeed champion strong government and arguably exclude arbitrary governmental traits that may constrain attempts to do what is best for the individual rather than the people as a whole. In effect, the constraints they put in place in their texts established a balance of power that had its limits and weaknesses but ultimately appeared to be fair.

John Locke wrote The Second Treatise of Government in 1689 and Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay (Publius) wrote The Federalist Papers in 1787 and 1788. There are common themes shared between them despite the century that passed between their respective publication dates. One such theme is human nature and qualities individuals possess that make a difference to government. Although Locke covers a wide r...

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...sment of governance simply adds credibility to this argument by pointing out that both theories essentially outline how to progress from an autocratic state to a democratic government that will do what is best for the country. There are fundamental differences identifiable in the proposed governments within the texts and also room for debating weaknesses as neither proposal is perfect. However, the theory behind the models presented constrains the state and its citizens in a fair and effective way in order to form strong government.

Works Cited

Hamilton, Alexander, John Jay & James Madison. The Federalist Papers. New York: Cosimo, 2006.

Locke, John. The Second Treatise of Government and A Letter Concerning Toleration. New York: Courier Dover Publications, 2002.

Tinder, Glenn. Political Thinking: The Perennial Questions. 6th Edition. London: Longman 2003.