Gov Philosophers

John Locke

17th century English philosopher

The Second Treatise of Civil Government

Natural rights

Inherent to human beings

Laws of nature govern people

Laws determined by people’s innate moral

sense 

Natural law can challenge any government

Government must be built on the consent of the

governed

Government should be limited: clear on the

powers and restrictions of the government

Sole purpose of government is to protect natural

rights

Natural rights: Life, liberty, and property.

Thomas Hobbes

17th Century English philosopher

Leviathan

Strong absolute ruler is necessary to

restrain the man’s bestial tendencies.

Some Founding Father’s adhered to this

concept.

Baron Montesquieu

French Aristocrat

Government should be broken into

branches.

Each branch should have distinct stated

powers.

The branches should have checks.

The concept prevents the consolidation of

power.

Jean Jacques Rousseau

Man must enter into a social contract with

others.

Everyone is free because all forfeit the

same amount of freedom.

All have the same duties and

responsibilities imposed on them.