Locke’s discussion of political power goes back to the original state of man, a period of absolute freedom and equality.  Note that by the end of the first paragraph Locke is discussing what men "have," that is, their property.   He refers to the political philosopher Hooker, who built a theory of civic obligation on this notion of early equality.   Locke goes on (section 6) to distinguish liberty from licence.

In the state of nature, there is a law of nature or natural law.  Here Locke builds an Edenic notion of mankind’s early days, a period of mutual obligation and respect.
 

Is this what you think early life was like?  What other possibilities come to mind?

The need to prevent harm led men to "execute" the law of nature on those who disturbed the peace.  It will be very important to remember the strong language at the end of section 8.  Each of us is empowered to punish and prevent crimes with death (section 11).  And this state of nature is the one we remain in until we "consent" to make ourselves "members of some politic society,"  which is what Locke will now go on to describe.

Key word in this chapter:

"nature":  Locke uses this term more than  40 times, both to build his theories of a "state" and a "law" of nature.  You should survey these usages: please go to Discussion Board for an exercise on this topic.

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