Question 1 saved below is an excerpt from john locke's two treatises of government. read the excerpt and answer the questions 1-2. to understand political power, we must consider the condition in which nature puts all men. it is a state of perfect freedom to do as they wish and dispose of themselves and their possessions as they think fit, within the bounds of the laws of nature. they need not ask permission or the consent of any other man. the state of nature is also a state of equality. no one has more power or authority than another. since all human beings have the same advantages and the use of the same skills, they should be equal to each other. the state of nature has a law of nature to govern it. reason is the law. it teaches that all men are equal and independent, and that no one ought to harm another in his life, liberty, or possessions. all men are made by one all-powerful and wise maker. they are all servants of one master who sent them into the world to do his business. he has put men naturally into a state of independence, and they remain in it until they choose to become members of a political society. if a man in the state of nature is free, if he is absolute lord of his own person and possessions, why will he give up his freedom? why will he put himself under the control of any person or institution? the obvious answer is that the rights in the state of nature are constantly exposed to the attacks of others. since every man is equal and since most men do not concern themselves with equity and justice, the enjoyment of rights in the state of nature is unsafe and insecure. hence each man joins in society with others to preserve life, liberty, and property.