XVIII (Of Tyranny) - When those placed in positions of power use their authority to enrich themselves rather than directing their actions to the good of the people, that is tyranny. It can be opposed, but make sure only to oppose by force actual injustice. Things to watch out for: take care not to tear down an entire edifice of government, which might be saved, over the actions of a single bad actor; try to work through the law and the still-functioning parts of government to take down a tyrant; don't make things worse for everybody by invoking force. But in extreme situations, bold action is indeed needed. So...
XIX (Of the Dissolution of Government) - The actual dissolution of government does not necessarilly entail the dissolution of society. It's possible, in the case of war, that the destruction be so complete that the remaining men are reduced to wandering or making their way by joining new societies. But more often the dissolution of a government structure is actually the act of a functioning society, a society that maintains its identity and unity through the transition and into the future government to whom they give their revised consent.
Dissolution of government happens when the legislature is unable or unwilling to fulfill its duties; or when the executive absolutely refuses to be subservient to the legislature, and thereby does injustice to the people at large.
In such rare circumstances, when legal remedies within the existing government won't rectify the situation, rebellion is necessary. It is not to be taken lightly. It is in all cases a perillous position to be in. It represents, in essence, a state of war between the people and those to whom they granted authority. Often, we call those rebels to task for their actions-- but that rebellion is a two-way street. It is equally legitimate to call the leaders rebellious who have exceeded their mandates, or forgotton their duties, or lost sight of the good of the people with which they have been entrusted. In this state of war, when legitimately established, there is no supreme side with power over the subservient other; both parties are placed on an equal footing. And in the end, it is always up to the judgment of the people as a whole which side will prevail, and on which principles the government will reestablish its footing going forward.
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So don't play around with accusations of tyranny. It's serious business.
Glad I read all this. I don't think it hurt that I forced myself to read it so quickly. There's a lot of background assumptions and principles it was good for me to see laid out so carefully. I'm sure most of the political readings and writings I do will refer back to these principles, if only implicitly. I do think Locke has a good, solid insight into human nature and how that informs political relationships. (But I would say that.)
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