John Locke, a famous political philosopher, has left his mark on history through his writings, his political philosophy, and his studies on knowledge, understanding, and education. Locke, well educated, received part of his education at Westminster in London, eventually earning his Master of Arts in 1658. Locke studied logic, metaphysics, and ancient languages. (Biography Channel, 2013) Locke's studies of logic and understanding are evident in his writings throughout his life. Locke's political philosophy took root in Europe. Europeans experienced a high level of turmoil and chaos ruled by kings in absolutism. Locke introduced his thoughts on what government should be to Europeans through his philosophy; the Bill of Rights was created. For example, Locke firmly expressed the view that government is rightly obligated to serve the people it represents. Locke categorically expressed the obligations of government including the protection of life, liberty, and land. According to him, the ideal government is a “representative government and a rule of law”. (Powell, 1996) Believing that government should not override the natural rights of the individual, and when the government governs by trampling on the rights of the people, the only way out of oppression is rebellion. “Two Tracts on Government” (Online Library of Liberty, 2010) written by Locke explaining his views on how government works, published in 1667. Locke wrote Essays on the Law of Nature, Concerning Toleration, and helped write “ The Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina in 1669 (Freedom Online Library, 2010). The essence of the above writings contained views and philosophy on the separation of church and state, which continues to be one of the foundations of the Bill of Rights. Loc...... half of the document ...... understand, in the balance of decision, that is, in the quality of his behavior, that Locke distinguished himself as a man in the times in which he lived and there were few men equal to him or superior to him in understanding. (Powell, 1996) References: John Locke. (2013). The Biography Channel website. Retrieved November 10, 2013, from http://www.biography.com/people/john-locke-9384544John Locke Timeline. (2010). The website of the Online Library of Freedom. Retrieved November 10, 2013, from http://oll.libertyfund.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1586&Itemid=273Powell. J. (1996). John Locke: Natural Rights to Life, Liberty, and Property Locke's writings did much to inspire the American Revolution. The Freeman Foundation website. Retrieved November 10, 2013, from http://www.fee.org/the_freeman/detail/john-locke-natural-rights-to-life-liberty-and-property#axzz2kGYRgGTn