Anarchy is the abscence of law. Mob rule is not a synonym for anarchy. Therefore mob rule is not the abscence of law. Mob rule is a controlling rule, guided by the motivations of the controlling group, without regard to any general principles concerning the interests of others. Anarchy is a social condition where there is no definite ruler, controlling group, or authority.
Without placing conditions and constraints upon the Locke quote in 178. That collection of freemen establishing rule, could be a mob. As occurred in the French Revolution. Rule has the power of law, so long as the rulers exert themselves and are not successfully unopposed.
Nouns
1 anarchylawlessness, disorder, breakdown of law and order, no authority, interregnum, power vacuum, powerlessness, impotence, disorganization, misgovernment, misrule, unrestraint, unruliness, disruption, irresponsibility, indiscipline, disobedience, insubordination, defiance of authority, arrogation, breakdown of government, chaos, turmoil, mob rule, mob law, lynch law, sedition, subversion, fifth column, revolution, rebellion, guerrilla tactics, the underground, usurpation, abdication, forced resignation, overthrow, coup d'état, coup, dethronement, mutiny, reign of terror, law of the jungle, every man for himself, dog-eat-dog
Main Entry: an·ar·chy
Pronunciation: 'a-n&r-kE, -"när-
Function: noun
Etymology: Medieval Latin anarchia, from Greek, from anarchos having no ruler, from an- + archos ruler -- more at ARCH-
Date: 1539
1 a : absence of government b : a state of lawlessness or political disorder due to the absence of governmental authority c : a utopian society of individuals who enjoy complete freedom without government
2 a : absence or denial of any authority or established order b : absence of order : DISORDER <not manicured plots but a wild anarchy of nature -- Israel Shenker>
3 : ANARCHISM