According to Locke, what is the role of the legislative power an how does it get that power?

In chapter XI, Locke takes up the subject of the legislature, its establishment being the first and most important step a commonwealth takes once it is organized. The legislature is the supreme power of the government and it cannot be altered or abolished. Its members are appointed and their edicts have the force of law. The authority of the legislature comes from the consent of the governed; the obedience given to it cannot be discharged by any foreign power or domestic subordinate power.

The government's most important role is to protect the property (life, liberty, and possessions) of its citizens; the government is invalid without fulfilling this important role. Another important element of this chapter is idea of the social compact, whereby men agree to give up their natural liberty but gain many conveniences in turn. One of the things they give up in terms of property is taxes. Locke acknowledges that a government is able to require taxes from its citizens as long as the majority wills it so. He understands that the people must invest in their government, as the government must continually seek to serve the public good.