John Locke
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John Locke, who wrote Of Political or Civil Society, shows the importance of natural rights, and how people trade their natural rights for protection from a form of government. Common Sense, written by Thomas Paine, portrays and argues for American independence. Paine sees government as protection, and exists to serve the people. Both writings share similarities and differences in their political philosophies.
“Those who are united into one body, and have a common established law and judicature to appeal to, with authority to decide controversies between them, and punish offenders, are in civil society one with another;” (sec. 87). John Locke wrote this in order to show that people will live in a civil country if everyone agrees on a certain government to enforce the laws. However, in order for the people to live in this civil society they must give up living in a state of nature, or complete freedom. Once you give up your state of nature; in return you receive protection from the government. Governments abuse their power in order to benefit themselves. Locke believes that since the people conform to this government, they should have the right to change or overthrow it.
Similarly, in Common Sense, Thomas Paine sees Britains rule over America as only beneficial towards the king. “America is only secondary object in the system of British politics; England consults the good of this country no further than it answers her own purpose.” (207). Paine does not believe that a form of government can provide true happiness and freedom towards any individual. Like John Locke believes, every man must give up his state of nature to be a unified government. However, government can provide protection and order if organized correctly.
Monarchy can never be seen as a part of a civil society. “Hence it is evident, that absolute monarchy, which by some men is counted the only government in the world, is indeed inconsistent with civil society, and so can be no form of civil government” (sec. 90). This shows that Locke does not believe that monarchy places a common rule over all people, which takes away natural rights.
“let a crown be placed thereon, by which the world may know, that so far as we approve of monarchy, that in American THE LAW IS KING.” (210). Thomas Paine does not believe that monarchy is a functional type of government. There should not be one true ruler overall.