Social Contracts

Question 1

Define “Social Contract”

Answer 1

• Original contract of society is “if you don’t kill me, then I won’t kill you”
• State was essentially founded to make sure we keep our agreements with each other
• Only reason why the state exists, is because people believe in its authority
• Power rests with the people

Question 2

Define Social Contract Exclusions

Answer 2

• States are pretty much formed on basic social contracts
• Back then social contracts, and by extension citizenship was only for white land-owning men, and sometimes women.
• The women’s right to vote, own land, to debate, and to be represented in debates was taken away.
• People argues that when ppl married, you essentially would be “one political unit” where the husband would be the only one with a voice, and would be the only one allowed to speak politically in public. Thats why women took their last names
• Native people were excluded from social contracts so white people can justify and setup a government through colonialism.
• African slaves are excluded from social contracts because they don’t own land, therefore they can’t participate in politics.
• There are repercussions for the exclusions though, (Natives regarding the residential schools etc.)

Question 3

Who we’re the three main social contract theorists?

Answer 3

1. Thomas Hobbes 1500-1600
2. John Locke 1600-1700
3. Jean-Jaques Rosseau 1700