Foundations of Government - Hobbes and Locke

Question 1

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679)

Answer 1

• HOBBES = lack of individual freedoms because people should live under an absolute ruler
• believed society was nasty and brutish

Question 2

John Locke (1632-1704)

Answer 2

• LOCKE = Individual freedoms because of a Social Contract with the Government

Question 3

Social Contract

Answer 3

• the government, rights: make laws, responsibilities: protect our natural rights
• the people, rights: life, liberty and property, responsibilities: must obey laws made by government
• government breaks the social contract?, rights: if; the government abuses their power and hinders our rights…, responsibilities: then; we have the responsibility and the right to overthrow the government

Question 4

What is the Overall Influence of Locke? Why is this Ironic?

Answer 4

• founding fathers looked to Locke and Hobbes, picked Locke because his form of government does not abuse the people’s rights
• Thomas Jefferson formed the Deceleration of Independence around John Locke
• John Locke is British and British concepts are used for freedom