1. Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, & Baron de Montesquieu
The Philosophy of the Founders
Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, & Baron de Montesquieu

2. What would life be like if there were no government?
What is the nature of all people?
Good?
Evil?
Caring?
Selfish?

3. Hobbes
* People, by nature, possess the equality of ability
* People, by nature, are cruel, greedy & selfish
“From the equality of ability arises the equality of hope in the attaining of our ends…if any two men desire the same thing…they become enemies”

4. “…life would be solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short…” Hobbes
* Without government people
lived in a state of nature.
* Without written, enforceable rules,
people would live like animals –
foraging for food,
fighting, stealing &
killing, when necessary
“…life would be
solitary, poor,
nasty, brutish,
and short…”

5. Hobbes By entering a SOCIAL CONTRACT,
people agreed to give up the state of nature
for an organized society

6. Hobbes Hobbes’ solution? Absolute monarchy
Only a powerful government could ensure an orderly society – The Leviathan
Hobbes

7. Furthers ideas about the
John Locke
Furthers ideas about the
law of nature, social contract and natural rights
“The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it which obliges every one….No one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty and possessions….”

8. Locke * People, by nature are reasonable and moral
Locke – Two Treatises of Government
The law of nature provides for certain natural rights which are,
Life – freedom from threats to our security
Liberty – freedom from other’s domination
Property – freedom to work and gain economic goods
(land, houses, tools, money -- necessary for survival)

9. Locke 3 Essential Ideas About Government
* Legitimate government cannot exist
without the consent of the governed
(it must be accepted by all citizens –
and therefore has an obligation to them.)
The best kind of government has limited power

10. Montesquieu Studied various types of government throughout Europe
Advocated for a different system of government
The Spirit of Laws
Divide powers of government among 3 branches the
Legislative, Executive and Judicial branch (Separation of Powers)
Each branch should be able to check the powers of the other two (Checks & Balance).

11. Quick Review Which philosopher wrote The Leviathan?
According to Locke, if your government fails, what do the people have the right to do?
Which philosopher had the greatest influence on the structure of American Government?
Which philosopher believes people are greedy and selfish?
What are natural rights?
According to Locke, who is the social contract between?