THOUGHTS ON POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT The Philosophers THOUGHTS ON POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

PLATO 428-328 BCE Greek philosopher Wrote “The Republic” Said all political systems were inherently corrupt. State is best served by an aristocracy or monarchy led by educated-elites. Democracy could lead to excessive freedom and anarchy. Justice is to the advantage of everyone.

ARISTOTLE 384-322 BCE Greek philosopher “Man is, by nature, a political animal.” Correct government worked for the common good. Advocated a government that was led by educated-elites, but gave some power to the common people. Democracy would lead to civil war. Poor trying to redistribute wealth.

THOMAS HOBBES 1588-1679 CE English philosopher Wrote “Leviathan.” All people start in a “State of Nature” and all are equal and free. Short, violent lives. Only way to secure peace is to lay down “Natural Rights” of equality and freedom and give absolute power to a “sovereign.” Sovereign, a person or group, makes and enforces laws to secure a peaceful society. This act by the people is a “Social Contract.” Best form of sovereign is a government headed by a king. People are selfish, this would maintain consistent political authority.

JOHN LOCKE 1632-1704 CE English philosopher People have natural ability to govern themselves and to look after the well-being of society. Peaceful beginnings of government start with the consent of the people. Government’s purpose is to protect right of life, the right to freedom, and the right to property. The natural rights of the people. The sovereign does not hold absolute power – just acts to protect natural rights. Violation of natural rights ends the Social Contract. Favored representative government of male property owners.

CHARLES MONTESQUIEU French philosopher Wrote “The Spirit of the Laws.” State of Nature causes people to form a State of Society. Society creates war and the need for government. Purpose of Gov’t: maintain law & order, political liberty Opposed absolute monarchy. Best form of gov’t has legislative, executive, and judicial powers with checks and balances.

JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU French philosopher Wrote “The Social Contract.” People are born good, independent, and compassionate. Ownership of property spawned societies ills. Government is formed to protect life, liberty, and property. Form a Social Contract and give up all rights to the whole community. People are the sovereign and exercise their general will to make laws for the public good. Direct democracy

STATE OF NATURE The natural condition of mankind. No government, no laws, nothing to restrain human nature Hobbes: war of all against all. Locke: Perfect freedom and equality.

ABSOLUTE FREEDOM Freedom to do, act, and think without limits. No higher authority over the individual

NATURAL RIGHTS All people have certain basic rights that no government can deny. Life, liberty, and property

SOCIAL CONTRACT People give their consent to limit their rights and create a government for the benefit of the common good. They give up absolute freedom In exchange for limited rights, government ensures a peaceful society

EQUALITY All people have the same natural rights. Leading ideal in American government.

CIVIL SOCIETY Created by voluntary participation by people. Includes the people an the institutions they participate in. Enter into civil society when the social contract is formed.

LEGITIMACY Foundation of governmental power. The governments has the right to govern and the governed recognize and accept that right. Both the government and the governed agree to the scope and limits of power and authority.

POWER The ability to get something done. Without power can any government function? Democracy vs. Dictatorship

AUTHORITY The legitimate use of power. Examples President vetoes a bill Others?

SOVEREIGNTY The use of power with authority. People are all sovereign in the state of nature. Give up sovereignty to form a social contract and enter civil society.