The Great Reversal: How Social Contract Theory Became State Apologetics (opens in new tab)

This year in the United States, we recognize the 250th anniversary of the final presentation of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. To the informed readers of the Declaration—mainly penned by Thomas Jefferson, but with the help of others—it is evident that Jefferson borrowed concepts and language from John Locke in terms of rights, the role of government, and consent. In order to critique the British government and argue a case for independence, Jefferson borrowed from Locke’s so...