Who authored the "Two Treatises of Government"?

The "Two Treatises of Government" was authored by John Locke and published in 1689. This work is fundamental in the development of political philosophy, particularly regarding the concepts of natural rights and the social contract. Locke’s arguments laid the groundwork for modern democratic thought, influencing various political revolutions, including the American Revolution. He articulated the idea that government is established by the consent of the governed, a principle that has become a cornerstone of liberal democracy. This philosophy stressed the importance of individual rights and governance through the rule of law, which resonated heavily in the founding documents of the United States.

The other figures mentioned, such as Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington, played significant roles in American history, but none authored the "Two Treatises of Government." Jefferson, for example, is known for the Declaration of Independence, while Hamilton was instrumental in shaping the early financial system of the U.S. Washington, as the first president, is renowned for his leadership during and after the American Revolution. However, none of them wrote the foundational text that Locke produced.