Foundations of Government Theory: Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Mill, Tocqueville; Power, Elite Theory, and Pluralism

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture on political theory, power, and major philosophers.

Hobbes

17th-century English philosopher who argued that in the state of nature life would be solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short, and that a sovereign power is needed to maintain security through a social contract.

State of nature (Hobbes)

Hypothetical pre-government condition characterized by chaos and selfish competition, motivating the social contract to establish a sovereign.

Social contract (Hobbesian)

Agreement in which individuals surrender some freedoms to a sovereign in exchange for order and security.

Leviathan

Hobbes's metaphor for the sovereign or commonwealth; a powerful authority necessary to prevent societal collapse.

John Locke

17th-century philosopher who argued natural rights (life, liberty, property) and a government that is conditional on protecting these rights, with a right of resistance to tyranny.

Natural rights

Inherent rights to life, liberty, and property that governments exist to protect.

General Will

Rousseau's idea that legitimate laws express the collective will of the people and apply to all equally.

Rousseau

18th-century philosopher who linked government legitimacy to the general will and equality; civilization can corrupt natural equality.

John Stuart Mill

19th-century philosopher who argued for liberty, warned against tyranny of the majority, and advocated limiting government to preventing harm to others.

Harm principle

Mill's idea that government interference is justified only to prevent harm to others.

Tocqueville

19th-century French observer of American democracy who argued for balancing liberty with equality and the importance of local civic associations.

Democracy in America

Tocqueville's influential work analyzing democracy's strengths and risks, including the tyranny of the majority and the need for active civic participation.

Power

The ability to influence or direct the actions, beliefs, or conduct of others; can be coercive or diffused through institutions.

Elite theory

A view that power rests in a small, cohesive elite (political leaders, corporate owners, top military) with a passive masses; elites coordinate policy.

Pluralism

A theory that power is dispersed among many groups; no single elite dominates; policy outcomes arise from bargaining among diverse actors.

Theoretical frameworks

Analytical lenses used to explain empirical patterns; they help explain why events occur and can be used together.