John Locke’s Two Treatises of Government (1690) remains a cornerstone of modern political thought, offering five enduring lessons:

1. Legitimacy Through Consent: Locke’s rejection of divine right monarchy (“All power derives from the people’s consent”) underpins modern democracies, emphasizing electoral accountability and participatory governance;
2. Freedom Within the Rule of Law: His assertion that “laws are not constraints but safeguards of liberty” resonates in debates over state surveillance and civil liberties, urging balance between security and individual rights;
3. Property Rights and Economic Justice: By linking property to labor (“Mix your labor with land to claim ownership”), Locke laid groundwork for modern capitalism but also highlights ethical responsibilities—e.g., progressive taxation to address inequality;
4. Separation of Powers as Anti-Corruption Tool: Locke’s early formulation of checks and balances (“Divide legislative and executive powers”) directly influenced Montesquieu and the U.S. Constitution, offering a blueprint for combating authoritarianism;
5. Moral Right to Resistance: His defense of revolution against tyranny (“When government violates the trust, rebellion is justified”) echoes in modern movements like #MeToo and climate activism, though Locke stresses lawful, collective action over chaos.
   For example, the 2020 U.S. election disputes underscored Locke’s warning that power must be “revocable by the people,” while Sweden’s wealth redistribution policies reflect his vision of property rights balanced with social welfare. Yet Locke’s idealism also cautions against radical individualism—true freedom thrives only when coupled with civic responsibility.