Category: Political Science/Philosophy. Review: John Locke is one of the most influential political philosophers in history, and his works on government continue to be studied today. The First & Second Treatises of Government are two of his most important works, providing a comprehensive analysis of the nature of civil government and its relationship with individuals. The Second Treatise of Government is particularly noteworthy for its emphasis on the social contract theory, which posits that governments derive their authority from an agreement between themselves and the people they govern. Locke argues that this agreement must be based on mutual consent, and that any government that fails to uphold its end of the bargain can be justly overthrown by the people. The Second Treatise also contains a detailed analysis of the nature of power in society, arguing that it is ultimately derived from the ability to compel obedience through force or persuasion. Locke distinguishes between two types of power: legitimate and illegitimate. Legitimate power is that which is granted by individuals through their consent, while illegitimate power is that which is obtained through coercion or fraud. In addition to the Second Treatise, there are several other works on government by John Locke that are worth studying. The First Treatises of Government provide a detailed analysis of natural law and its relationship with civil government, while A Letter Concerning Toleration explores the limits of religious tolerance in society. Clipped Coins is an interesting work on economics, arguing that money has no inherent value but derives its worth from social convention. Overall, John Locke's works on government are a must-read for anyone interested in political science and philosophy. His emphasis on the social contract theory and his analysis of power continue to be influential today, and his ideas have shaped the way we think about politics and governance.