Key Concepts in Sovereignty, Enlightenment, and Social Contract Theories

The Enlightenment

17th-18th century intellectual movement emphasizing reason, science, and individual rights

Reason

Using logic and evidence rather than tradition or superstition

Rationality

The quality of being based on reason

Equality

The idea that all people have the same basic rights and worth

Social Contract Theory

Idea that people agree to give up some freedoms in exchange for government protection

Natural Rights

Rights people are born with (life, liberty, property-Locke)

Natural Law

universal moral principles discoverable by reason

Divine right of kings

belief that monarchs derive authority from God, not the people

Monarchy

government ruled by a king or queen

Absolute Power

Unlimited authority held by one ruler

Sovereignty

supreme authority within a territory

Popular sovereignty

Power resides in the people, government exists by their consent

state sovereignty

a state has full control over its own affairs within its borders

Individual Sovereignty/Autonomy

Personal Freedom and self governance; right to control one’s own life

Legitimacy

The rightful authority of a government accepted by the people

State of nature

Hypothetical pre-government condition of human life

representative government

system where elected officials represent the people

Thomas Hobbes

Humans are selfish; need strong ruler to prevent chaos

John Locke

People have natural rights; government protects rights; if it fails, people can revolt

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

People are born good; society corrupts; government should follow the ‘general will’

Hobbes view on human nature

selfish, violent

Locke’s view on human nature

reasonable, cooperative

Rousseau’s view on human nature

Naturally good, corrupted by society

Hobbes purpose of government

maintain order, prevent chaos

Locke’s purpose of government

Protect natural rights (life, liberty, property)

Rousseau’s purpose of government

Carry out general will of the people

Hobbe’s best government

Absolute Monarchy

Locke’s best government

Limited government with separation of powers

Rousseau’s best government

direct democracy

Hobbe’s right to revolt

No

Locke’s right to revolt

Yes, if the government violates social contract

Rousseau’s right to revolt

Yes, if government ignores general will