Which political theory is outlined in John Locke's Two Treatises of Government?

The correct response highlights the fundamental ideas presented in John Locke's "Two Treatises of Government," which are centered around social contract theory and natural rights. Locke argues that individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and property, which form the basis of his social contract. This theory posits that governments are formed through the consent of the governed in order to protect these rights. If a government fails to do so, Locke asserts that the people have the right to overthrow it, making this a revolutionary concept for its time.

This perspective fundamentally contrasts with the other choices. Authoritarian control emphasizes the power held by rulers without regard for individual rights or the consent of the governed, while utilitarianism and collective ownership focus on maximizing overall happiness and communal property rather than individual rights. Additionally, the divine right of kings posits that monarchs derive their authority from a divine source, which conflicts with Locke’s argument for governance based on consent and natural law. Thus, Locke's theories pivot around the importance of individual rights and the role of government as a protector of those rights within the framework of a social contract.