John Locke
The foundational liberal thinker who argued for natural rights (life, liberty, property), government by consent, social contract theory, and the right of revolution against tyranny.
Real World
The American Declaration of Independence (1776) directly drew on Locke's ideas — Jefferson's 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness' is a near-direct restatement of Locke's natural rights, making Locke the intellectual architect of American democracy.
Exam Focus
Always link Locke to a specific text (Two Treatises) and identify which strand of liberalism he represents — examiners reward precise attribution.
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