Two treatises of government is the book in which john locke explains his concept of modern liberalism in this book he expresses his belief that the purpose of political societies is to defend the life liberty and property of citizens of that society the only source of authority for a government is from the people when a government becomes tyrannical then people have the right to stage a revolution against that government. Lockes two treatises of government contributes at least three basic principles to the modern constitutional state first every member of a political society should have an equal voice in. Lockes major work in this area was two treatises on government which was published anonymously in 1689 its important to remember when locke was writing these ideas just a year before his book. From a general summary to chapter summaries to explanations of famous quotes the sparknotes lockes second treatise on civil government study guide has everything you need to ace quizzes tests and essays. Locke refuses to accept such a theory because of his belief in reason and in the ability of every man to virtuously govern himself according to gods law the second treatise is lockes proposed solution to the political upheaval in england and in other modern countries this text laid the foundation for modern forms of democracy and for the constitution of the united states