Publication Date
12-15-2025
Document Type
Working Paper
Advisor
Professor John Hall
Journal of Economic Literature Classification Codes
B12, B31, P14
Key Words
John Locke, Natural Rights, Private Property, Social Contract
Abstract
This inquiry seeks to establish that ideas advanced by the Englishman John Locke, regarding private property, natural rights, as well as a social contract for relations between authorities and governed, influenced the American experiment at its founding. Locke’s novel understanding regarding private property greatly influenced leaders railing against British dominance. His ideas were picked up by founding figures such as John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, as well as James Madison, and Thomas Paine. Through their leadership, in particular, Locke’s ideas were carried forward and served as the inspiration behind key concepts appearing in this new nation’s founding documents. First appearing in the second half of the 1600s, Locke’s thinking regarding natural rights challenged the philosophy of the divine right of kings. In addition, Locke’s writings served to establish ideals and aims regarding the establishment of a social contract between the state and citizens, ideas and ideals that helped to advance an American form of “liberalism.”
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44556
Citation Details
Sharps, Riley. "John Locke and the American Experiment, Working Paper No. 105", Portland State University Economics Working Papers. 105. (15 December 2025) i + 16 pages.