Under what circumstances did John Locke think it would be acceptable for the people to overthrow the government?
It is never acceptable, as overthrowing the government would be a violation of the social contract.
If the people were to break the social contract and seek a different type of rule, the people could overthrow the government.
If the government violated the social contract, the people could overthrow the government.
If the government failed to accept new natural rights, the people could overthrow the government.
John Locke believed that the people had the right to overthrow the government under certain circumstances. One of these circumstances was if the government violated the social contract, meaning if it failed to fulfill its obligations to protect the natural rights of the people, such as life, liberty, and property. According to Locke, if the government became tyrannical and abused its power, the people had the right to resist and overthrow it.
Locke also believed that if the government failed to accept and protect new natural rights that emerged over time, the people could overthrow the government. He argued that the social contract was not static and that governments should evolve to reflect the changing needs and rights of the people. If the government refused to adapt and recognize these new rights, the people were justified in seeking a different form of rule.
However, it is important to note that Locke did not view the overthrow of the government as a casual option. He believed that it should only be done as a last resort, after all peaceful means of resolving the grievances had been exhausted. The people were encouraged to first seek redress and reform through legal and peaceful means.