1 Introduction to Government

These flashcards explore the key concepts and vocabulary related to the introduction of government and political philosophy as discussed in the lecture.

Thomas Hobbes

An English philosopher known for his work 'Leviathan', which discusses the necessity of government to avoid a 'state of nature'.

State of Nature

A concept used by Hobbes to describe a condition where individuals exist without government, resulting in chaos and conflict.

Leviathan

Hobbes' major work published in 1651 that argues for the necessity of a strong central authority to avoid the anarchy of the state of nature.

Social Contract

An agreement among individuals to form a government that will protect their rights and maintain order.

Natural Rights

The rights that individuals have inherently, which cannot be surrendered or transferred, emphasized by Locke in contrast to Hobbes' views.

Public Goods

Goods provided by the government that are available for everyone to use, such as roads, education, and emergency services.

Limited Government

A political system where the power of the government is restricted to protect individual rights and freedoms.

National Defense

One of the primary functions of government, focused on protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation.

Socialization

The process by which governments instill values and citizenship norms in young people.

John Locke

An English philosopher who argued for a government that protects individual rights, in contrast to Hobbes' viewpoint.