What power should a government have, and what power should it not have?

According to Locke (1823), the power of the Government is limited to the public good. In other words, those who govern must be elected by their representatives, the people, because whoever the people decide to elect as their representant will hold power to fight the people’s fight. This government will protect their people’s freedom, and property, among many other things. Locke believed that the power of the government must be delimited by laws, guaranteeing equality to all as he states by saying this:

“Being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.” (Locke, 1823)

Locke (1823) believed that the government must serve the people. Thus, they should not rule by arbitrary or totalitarianism. If, perhaps, they fail in helping their people for good. Then, the people would have the right to overthrow them, in short words, the right of revolution when he said:

“Revolt is the right of the people.”

References

Locke, J. (1823). Two treatises of Government. McMaster University. http://www.yorku.ca/comninel/courses/3025pdf/Locke.pdf