Political Thinkers - Political Science

Thomas Hobbes

Believed people are naturally selfish and that life without government is nasty, brutish, and short. His main idea: a strong government is needed to keep order. Memory Trick: Hobbes = Humans are horrible.

John Locke

Believed in natural rights such as life, liberty, and property. Government exists to protect these rights, and if it fails, people can replace it. Authority comes from the people. Memory Trick: Locke = Liberty.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Believed people are naturally good but corrupted by society. Advocated that government should represent the will of the people.

Montesquieu

Introduced the idea of Separation of Powers with three branches: Executive, Legislative, Judicial.

Adam Smith

Father of capitalism, believed competition and free markets strengthen economies. Capitalism is the economic system where free markets allow people and businesses to buy and sell freely.

Karl Marx

Critic of capitalism, believed it was unfair as the rich benefit from workers who receive less. Advocated for society to own production collection (the resources needed to produce goods and services).

Niccolò Machiavelli

Believed leaders may need to do immoral things to maintain power. Stated that politics isn't always about being nice; power is 1st.

Mary Wollstonecraft

One of the first major writers arguing for equal education and rights for women.

Thucydides

Ancient Greek historian known for his realism in politics, stating that countries mainly act in their own self-interest. Main Point: Countries look out for themselves.