I just found this little blurb in the paper: "Many American concepts of rights were first postulated by British philosopher John Locke (1632-1704).
Locke wrote works on education, religion and the nature of knowledge. In his 1690 work "Two Treatises of Government," Locke maintained citizens have the right to freedom of thought, speech and worship. He proposed that government consist of legislative branches, with separate powers.
Locke held that ultimate sovereignty lies with the people, and the people have the right to overthrow the government that does not have their interests at heart."
Regarding that last idea, just read the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776):
"...that whenever any form of government becomes destructive..., it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it..."
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Last updated 21 April 1999
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