What was John Locke's view on the purpose of government?

John Locke's view on the purpose of government centers around the idea of protecting the natural rights of individuals, which he identified as life, liberty, and property. According to Locke, governments are established through a social contract, whereby individuals consent to form a political society to safeguard these fundamental rights. If a government fails to protect these rights or begins to infringe upon them, Locke argued that the people have the right to alter or abolish that government.

This philosophy laid the groundwork for modern democratic thought and significantly influenced later political ideas concerning individual rights and the role of the state. The notion that the legitimacy of a government derives from its ability to protect its citizens' rights is foundational to liberal democracy and was crucial during the Enlightenment period.

In contrast, the other options do not align with Locke's theories on governance. The idea of absolute power contradicts his belief in limited government and consent of the governed. Strict controls over society do not reflect his emphasis on individual freedoms and rights, while promoting economic interests is not the primary focus of his political theory. Locke's vision was primarily about ensuring the safety and welfare of the populace through the protection of their inherent rights.