Why did Locke believe people formed a commonwealth?

In John Locke’s political theory, the state of nature is a condition where individuals are free, equal, and bound by the law of nature to respect the life, liberty, and property of others. While this state is not inherently a condition of war, it lacks a central authority to resolve conflicts.123

Locke argued that individuals form a commonwealth through a social contract primarily to address the inconveniences of the state of nature. Specifically, because every person in the state of nature has the right to enforce the law of nature and punish offenders, this arrangement can lead to bias, injustice, and violence when individuals act as judges in their own cases.134

By consenting to form a civil government, people establish an impartial authority capable of:
* Arbitrating disputes fairly.23
* Redressing injuries.23
* Providing a framework to enforce legitimate contracts and protect natural rights.14

Ultimately, for Locke, the legitimacy of this government is conditional; it exists to protect the natural rights of its citizens, and its power is derived solely from their consent.3