Who was John Locke and what was his theory?

John Locke was an influential Enlightenment thinker whose contributions significantly shaped political philosophy, particularly ideas about natural rights and the concept of the social contract. His work laid the foundation for modern democracy and individual rights, emphasizing that individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and property. Locke argued that governments are formed to protect these rights, and they derive their authority from the consent of the governed. This idea is crucial in understanding the relationship between people and their government, as it suggests that if a government fails to protect these rights, citizens have the right to overthrow it.

While Locke also emphasized individual freedom and wrote about governance, the essence of his theory lies in the intersection of natural rights and the social contract, making the first choice the most comprehensive representation of his contributions. His ideas greatly influenced many later democratic theories and the founding principles of various governments, especially in the context of the American and French revolutions.