Absolutism is the belief that all legitimate authority resides in only one person, usually a monarch. Filmer argues that absolute monarchy by divine right has prevailed in the world since God created Adam. Locke argues against absolutism and in support of government-by-consent.

A compact is a voluntary, binding agreement equivalent to a contract. Locke argues that human beings are born free, so to protect their equal and God-given rights they form a compact—sometimes called a “social contract"—and thus consent to be governed by laws of their own making. First Treatise advances Locke’s compact theory by refuting Filmer’s argument for the divine right of kings.

In political terms, consent is the means by which the governed give legitimacy to those who rule. It constitutes a core principle in all governments based on the sovereignty of the people, such as modern liberal democracy. Consent is the political alternative to obedience and submission. Locke touts consent as a logical and desirable consequence of natural freedom.