Which natural rights did John Locke identify as fundamental and limiting to government power?

• A. Freedom from want, security, and happiness.
• B. Property, security, and equality.
• C. Liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• D. Life, liberty, and property.

Answer: (D)

Locke’s view is that certain rights are natural and serve to bound political power. He identifies life, liberty, and property as fundamental rights that governments must protect. Life and liberty shield individuals from arbitrary harm and coercion, while property represents the rightful ownership people gain through labor and consent. Because these rights are inherent, government’s purpose and authority flow from safeguarding them; overstepping by violating life, liberty, or property undermines the government’s legitimacy and gives people grounds to resist or alter it. The other options mix in ideas from different thinkers or include rights like happiness or equality that aren’t the natural-triad Locke framed as limiting to government power.