The following is an excerpt from John Locke's Two Treatises of Government (Evaluating the Evidence 15.3): "'Tis true, governments cannot be supported without great charge, and 'tis fit every one who enjoys his share of the protection, should pay, out of this estate, his proportion for the maintenance of it. But still it must be with his own consent, i.e., the consent of the majority, giving it either by themselves, or their representatives chosen by them; for if any one shall claim a power to lay and levy taxes on the people, by his own authority, and without such consent of the people, he thereby invades the fundamental law of property, and subverts the end of government. For what property have I in that which another may be right to take when he pleases to himself."
Based on this passage, which of the following did Locke see as legitimate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Locke believed that taxes were necessary to support government, but they must be consented to by the majority of the people, either directly or through their representatives. Taxation without consent would be a violation of the fundamental right to property and undermine the purpose of government. Therefore, the only legitimate taxes were those agreed to by the majority of the people.

The Following Is an Excerpt from John Locke's Two Treatises