POL 101: Responsible Citizenship Democratic Theory

I.What is democratic theory? II.Hobbes III.Locke IV.Rousseau V.Impact on modern politics?

What is democratic theory? History of the United States is founded on common theoretical concepts Founding Fathers argued about which concepts should guide governance The ideas of state of nature, purpose of government, representation, and social contract theory continue to impact views on government in today’s society.

What is democratic theory? State of Nature – what humans were like before government and laws; pre-societal humans. Social Contract theory – what agreement people had in joining together for governance; purpose of government

Thomas Hobbes The state of nature is a state of war. No morality exists. Everyone lives in constant fear. Because of this fear, no one is really free, but, since even the “weakest” could kill the “strongest,” men ARE equal. The purpose of government is to impose law and order to prevent the state of war. Governments are designed to control, not necessarily represent.

Thomas Hobbes Authority necessary and needed…state of nature is BAD; we need a social contract to prevent massive issues within society. “That every man out to endeavor peace as far as he has hope to obtaining it, and when he cannot obtain it, that he may seek, and use, all helps and advantages of war” (Hobbes’ reasoning for government)

John Locke Men exist in the state of nature in perfect freedom to do what they want. The state of nature is not necessarily good or bad. It is chaotic. So, men do give it up to secure the advantages of civilized society. The purpose of government is to secure natural rights, namely man’s property and liberty. Representation ensures that governments are responsive to the people. Representation is a safeguard against oppression.

John Locke Social contract is designed for protection of rights, liberty, property. “Life, liberty, and pursuit of property are proper roles of man.” (Locke’s reasoning for government)

Jean Jacques Rousseau Men in a state of nature are free and equal. In a state of nature, men are “Noble Savages”. Civilization is what corrupted him. The purpose of government is to bring people into harmony, to unite them under the “General Will”. Representation is not enough. Citizens cannot delegate their civic duties. They must be actively involved. More direct democracy to enact the will of the people (“General Will”).

Jean Jacques Rousseau To Rousseau the social contract should include Direct democracy; government needed to divide up goods and create equality. “Man is free but everywhere he is in chains” (Rousseau’s interpretation of social contract and removal of state of nature).

Impact on modern politics? Political continuum LiberalLiberal/ModerateConservative RousseauLocke Hobbes AnarchyPolice State Impact on the views that shape our goals of government along the political continuum.

Impact on modern politics? Hobbes viewed government as a needed protection of the people from themselves; modern arguments used for Food and Drug Administration, seat-belt laws, smoking laws, drug prohibitions. Locke believed that government as needed to protect inalienable rights; modern arguments used for civil liberties and civil rights that include security questions about the Patriot Act, 2 nd Amendment rights, and Pro- life positions. Rousseau viewed government as responsive to the people; movements for term limits, less government, direct democracy, and public education.