Philosophical Views on Government by Aristotle, Madison, and Hobbes

Aristotle's purpose of gov't

To promote virtue and the good life for all citizens

Aristotle's view of human nature

Humans are naturally political and strive for the good; the state helps cultivate virtue

Aristotle's ideal gov't

A polity: a constitutional gov't balancing oligarchy and democracy, led by virtuous citizens

Aristotle on freedom

Freedom is fulfilling one's purpose and living virtuously, not doing whatever one wants

Madison's purpose of gov't

To control factions and protect individual rights and liberty

Madison's view of human nature

Humans are self-interested and form factions; gov't must mitigate their effects

Madison's ideal gov't

A large republic with checks and balances and a separation of powers

Madison on freedom

Freedom is protected by a system that limits tyranny and balances interests

Hobbes's purpose of gov't

To impose order and prevent the chaos of the state of nature

Hobbes's view of human nature

Humans are naturally selfish, fearful, and prone to violence

Hobbes's ideal gov't

A powerful, absolute sovereign (Leviathan) to maintain peace and security

Hobbes on freedom

Freedom is security and peace provided by strong authority, not individual liberty