The Comparison.
by Matthew Allred
Information.
The Second Treatise of Government and the Declaration of Independence are very similar in their writings, which proves Locke's work had an impact on Jefferson. Surprisingly as it is, Jefferson has been accused over the centuries for plagiarizing John Locke.
Which I think isn't correct because Jefferson sent Locke a letter saying he will be taking some of his ideas, but putting his own touch to it.
The biggest similarity between both writings is that they are strongly focused on the belief that all men are created equal and have the right to happiness. Locke explains that humans have natural rights of life, liberty, and property. Jefferson restates this claim as unalienable Rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Both works state that no one person is above or superior to another person. The natural law of man is not under the authority of man but ruled by the Laws of Nature. Also they state that those natural rights can't be taken.
John Locke was the first to suggest the three branches of government which Thomas Jefferson interpreted into the Bill of Rights. John Locke was a huge influence on all of Thomas Jefferson's philsophical thoughts and ideals, thus implying that they wanted a similar government, but both had a different outlook on it.