Question

Explain what Locke means when he says, “Tyranny is the exercise of power beyond right.” Support your answer with information from the text

Answer 1

Hey there!

When they say tyranny, they sure don't mean democracy. Tyranny is explicitly defined as the taking of power through force and using unchecked power to rule over certain people. When you become a tyrant, your power isn't subdued or lowered by anybody- it's your power and you do what you want with it.

That's exactly what John Locke meant when he said this. He meant that tyranny was the exercise - the use - of power beyond ethical or moral right. He meant when you use your power without any regard to anybody else.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

With his definition of tyranny, Locke tries to explain that laws should be created to improve the lives of people. Otherwise, the common man will be oppressed under the rule of an oppressive ruler. He states that "where-ever law ends, tyranny begins." Any leader who is selfish and aims to satisfy only personal needs is a tyrant. He quotes King James I who says, "I will ever prefer the weal of the public, and of the whole commonwealth, in making of good laws and constitutions, to any particular and private ends of mine." Here Locke is stating that power should not be used to harass or suppress the people; the people should have a right to overthrow the monarch or the government if they feel that the growth and betterment of the country and its people is at stake. According to Locke, tyranny is the use of power in a way that stifles the rights of common men.