Differences Between Jefferson And John Locke

It seems that John Locke (a Western philosopher) had the most influential writings, as he expressed that the government is morally obliged to serve people by protecting life, liberty, and property. Also, he had the principle of check and balances to limit government power. Consequently, Locks writing inspired the libertarian ideas of the American Revolution. Locke argued that the law of nature obliged all human beings to NOT harm “ the life, health, liberty, or possessions of another.”
In the other hand, Thomas Jefferson used the natural right’s ideas to justify declaring independence from England.
Thomas Jefferson ranked Locke as the most important thinkers on liberty; consequently Jefferson adopted some key ideas of natural rights that included

“all men are created equal,” “inalienable rights,” “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” T. Jefferson believed that with the “laws of nature” humanity could be improved. To this day, “The Declaration of Independence has no legal authority. It is not part of the basic law of the United States like the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. But its words have resonated as the ideals of the United States”(Constitutional Rights Foundation 2001).

What responsibilities go along with the rights of freedom of speech, bearing arms, and democratic society?
The US constitution first amendment limits the authority of government to enact laws impinging upon the natural rights of the people to engage in speech/publish their ideas. However, the responsibility that goes along with the rights of freedom of speech is to NOT write, print, or cause it to be done, any false, scandalous, and malicious writing against people, with intent to defame.
The US constitution second amendment the- right to keep and bear arms is a natural right. However, the responsibility that goes along with the rights to keep and bear arms is that we (the citizens) have the right to keep and bear arms in those places where we have a right to be; in our own property or property we control, but NOT someone else’s property without his/her permission.
Democratic societies provide the natural environment for the protection and realization of equal human rights. Our responsibility as citizens it is to NOT be tolerant of those who believe that human rights are just for “some.”