Which English philosopher argued that life, liberty, and property are natural rights that the government must protect?

Which English philosopher argued that life, liberty, and property are natural rights that the government must protect?

• A. Montesquieu
• B. John Locke
• C. Rousseau
• D. Voltaire

Answer: (B)

The main idea tested is natural rights and the government's obligation to protect them. John Locke, the English philosopher, argued that certain rights—life, liberty, and property—are inherent to all people and that government exists to safeguard these rights. The legitimacy of government comes from the consent of the governed, and if rulers fail to protect these rights, people have the right to resist or overthrow them. Locke’s emphasis on protecting property alongside life and liberty and his view that government derives power from the people helped shape modern liberal democracy and influenced later documents that enshrine these protections. The other thinkers—Montesquieu, Rousseau, and Voltaire—contributed important ideas about government and liberty, but none articulate this exact trio of natural rights that the government must actively protect in the way Locke does.

The main idea tested is natural rights and the government's obligation to protect them. John Locke, the English philosopher, argued that certain rights—life, liberty, and property—are inherent to all people and that government exists to safeguard these rights. The legitimacy of government comes from the consent of the governed, and if rulers fail to protect these rights, people have the right to resist or overthrow them. Locke’s emphasis on protecting property alongside life and liberty and his view that government derives power from the people helped shape modern liberal democracy and influenced later documents that enshrine these protections. The other thinkers—Montesquieu, Rousseau, and Voltaire—contributed important ideas about government and liberty, but none articulate this exact trio of natural rights that the government must actively protect in the way Locke does.