Which document by John Locke discusses the rights of individuals and the role of government?

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The document that discusses the rights of individuals and the role of government authored by John Locke is the "Second Treatise on Government." In this influential work, Locke articulates his views on natural rights, including life, liberty, and property, as fundamental to human existence. He posits that the primary purpose of government is to protect these rights and that its legitimacy comes from the consent of the governed.

Locke's ideas in the "Second Treatise" set the foundation for modern democratic thought, arguing that if a government fails to uphold its duty to protect the rights of its citizens, the people have the right to revolt and establish a new government. The concepts Locke introduces here significantly influenced the development of constitutional frameworks and the philosophical underpinnings of political systems, particularly in the United States.

Other documents, such as "Leviathan" by Thomas Hobbes, focus more on social order and the necessity of authority, while "The Social Contract" by Jean-Jacques Rousseau offers a different perspective on the relationship between individuals and society. "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine argues for independence from British rule, presenting a more pragmatic approach to political change rather than a theoretical framework on rights and government. Hence, the "Second Treatise on

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