According to Locke, why will people surrender some of their freedom to join the state? What do they gain thereby

According to John Locke, people will surrender some of their freedom to join the state for the sake of protection and preservation of their property rights. Locke's social contract theory posits that individuals in a state of nature, where they are free and equal, will willingly give up some of their freedom to form a government that will establish laws to regulate disputes and protect their rights.

Here are the steps to understand this:

1. State of Nature: Locke believed that in a state of nature, all individuals have a right to "life, liberty, and property." However, this state is precarious because there are no established laws or authorities to resolve disputes or protect these rights.

2. Formation of Government: To overcome the limitations of the state of nature, individuals agree to form a social contract and establish a government. They surrender some of their freedom and give the government the authority to make and enforce laws.

3. Protection of Rights: In return for their surrendered freedom, individuals gain the security of their rights. The government's primary role, according to Locke, is to protect individuals' rights to life, liberty, and property.

4. Consent of the Governed: Locke emphasized that any government's legitimacy comes from the consent of the people. If a government fails to protect people's rights, the people have the right to revolt and establish a new government.

In summary, according to Locke, people surrender some of their freedom to join the state to gain security and protection for their rights, particularly their property rights.