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Can do Quote by John Locke

“Hence it is a mistake to think, that the supreme or legislative power of any common-wealth, can do what it will, and dispose of the estates of the subject arbitrarily, or take any part of them at pleasure.” quote by John Locke
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“Hence it is a mistake to think, that the supreme or legislative power of any common-wealth, can do what it will, and dispose of the estates of the subject arbitrarily, or take any part of them at pleasure.”

John Locke

About This Quote

Source Treat: Two Treatises of Government, 1689

Government power is limited; it cannot arbitrarily seize property or impose will without lawful authority.

In simple terms: Governments must respect property rights and rule of law.

Key Takeaway

Demand accountability and legal limits.

Themes

government property rights law limits authority

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical legal

When to use this quote

  • tax policy
  • land reform
  • regulatory actions

Key Concepts

social contract legal theory political philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards protect property?
  • How do we balance authority and liberty?
A Different Perspective

Power can be abused if checks are weak.

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