Commonwealth Quote by John Locke
“The Legislative cannot transfer the Power of Making Laws to any other hands. For it being but a delegated Power from the People, they who have it, cannot pass it over to others. The People alone can appoint the Form of the Commonwealth, which is by Constituting the Legislative, and appointing in whose hands that shall be.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Two Treatises of Government, 1689
The legislature holds only a delegated authority from the people and cannot transfer that law‑making power to others.
In simple terms: Legislature cannot give away its law‑making power.
Key Takeaway
Preserve popular sovereignty.
Themes
politics
law
sovereignty
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- parliamentary reform
- constitutional design
- citizen activism
Key Concepts
social contract
delegated authority
Questions to Reflect On
- Who truly holds legislative power?
- How to ensure accountability?
A Different Perspective
Power cannot be truly transferred without consent.
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