1. English Philosophers Philosopher Writings (year) Concepts/beliefs
-- No one should by subjected to the
political power of another without
his/her own consent. (Social Contract)
--All people are born free, equal and
independent w/ natural rights of life,
liberty, and rights to property.
-- Purpose of government is to protect
Natural Rights.
Two Treaties of
Government
1689
John Locke
-- Describes the Free state of nature is
CHAOS
-- Argues humans must voluntarily agree
to create a powerful government in
order to establish security and safety.
-- Believed that a government in which a
ruler enjoyed absolute authority over
the people would end conflicts
-- Based this idea on “consent to be governed theory”
Leviathan
1651
Thomas Hobbes

2. French Philosophers Philosopher Writings (year) Concepts/beliefs The
--Believed people lived once in a state
of nature then entered into a
contractual agreement with their gov’t.
--Argued people alone had the right to
determine how they should be governed.
--Believed the main duty of government
should be to maintain as much freedom
as possible in a civilized society.
The
Social Contract
1762
Jean-Jacques
Rousseau
--Believed in dividing government into
three separate branches to prevent the
abuse of power
--Believed no-one person was allowed to
make the laws, enforce the laws, or
interpret the laws
Spirit of
the Laws
1748
Charles
de Secondat
Montesquieu