Modern Political Theory Lessons 1-5 Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental political theory concepts, normative vs. empirical approaches, and the main philosophies of Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu.

Political Theory

The study of political ideas, concepts, principles, institutions, and how political systems should work, focusing on explaining and evaluating politics.

Political Philosophy

A branch of political thought that focuses on moral questions, truth, values, right or wrong, and what society and government ought to be.

Classical Political Theory

Political thought originating from Ancient Greece and Rome.

Modern Political Theory

Political thought beginning in the 16th century and continuing to the present, examining developments like the Behavioral Revolution.

Normative Political Theory

A value-oriented, prescriptive approach asking 'What SHOULD society/government be like?' with the goal of transforming society into a better social order.

Empirical Political Theory

A value-free, value-neutral approach asking 'What is ACTUALLY happening?' using scientific methods, data, research, and observation to examine political behavior.

Contemporary Political Theory

An approach combining normative values and empirical facts to understand and improve politics.

Four Tasks of Contemporary Political Theory

According to David Held, the four tasks are: Philosophical (values/concepts), Empirical (evidence), Historical (historical context), and Strategic (moving to ideal state).

Human Nature (Hobbes)

View that humans are naturally self-interested, competitive, desiring power, and driven by the fear of death toward peace.

State of Nature (Hobbes)

A condition without government or common authority resulting in a 'war of all against all,' where life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.

Right of Nature (Hobbes)

The natural right of every individual to preserve their own life using whatever means necessary.

Laws of Nature (Hobbes)

Dictates of reason stating humans should seek peace (First Law), give up some rights for peace (Second Law), and keep agreements/contracts (Third Law).

Social Contract (Hobbes)

An agreement where people give up freedoms and rights to create a sovereign authority in exchange for security and peace.

Sovereign (Hobbes)

The central authority created by the social contract possessing absolute power to maintain order and prevent conflict.

Absolutism (Hobbes)

The principle that government requires extensive and undivided authority to prevent a return to the state of nature, limited only by the right to self-defense.

Human Nature (Locke)

View that human beings are naturally free, equal, rational, and capable of following natural law.

State of Nature (Locke)

A condition where people are free and equal governed by natural law, but lacking a common judge or neutral authority to resolve disputes.

Natural Law (Locke)

A moral law discovered through reason stating that humans should preserve themselves and, as much as possible, preserve others.

Natural Rights (Locke)

Inalienable individual rights to Life, Liberty, and Property (L-L-P).

Property (Locke)

A natural right created when a person connects their labor to resources or land.

Express vs. Tacit Consent (Locke)

Express consent is direct agreement to political society; Tacit consent is implied through actions like living in a society and enjoying its benefits.

Separation of Powers (Locke)

The distinction between Legislative (makes laws), Executive (enforces laws), and Federative (handles international affairs) powers.

Right to Rebel (Locke)

The principle that citizens can overthrow the government if it violates rights, becomes tyrannical, or ignores the rule of law.

Human Nature (Rousseau)

View that humans are naturally good, independent, and free, but society and social inequality corrupt them.

General Will (Rousseau)

The collective will of citizens aimed at the common good, distinct from private individual interests.

Natural Freedom (Rousseau)

The unlimited physical independence individuals possess before political society.

Civil Freedom (Rousseau)

Freedom limited and protected by laws within a political society.

Moral Freedom (Rousseau)

Freedom achieved through self-rule by obeying laws that individuals prescribe to themselves through the general will.

Popular Sovereignty (Rousseau)

The principle that sovereign authority belongs directly to the people, requiring direct participation rather than representative delegation.

Forms of Government Principles (Montesquieu)

Republics are based on Virtue (Democracy) or Moderation (Aristocracy); Monarchies are based on Honor; Despotism is based on Fear.

Despotism (Montesquieu)

A form of government where one person rules according to personal will without legal restraints, driven by the principle of fear.

Political Liberty (Montesquieu)

The tranquility of mind arising from the security and confidence that government will not arbitrarily harm an individual.

Separation of Powers (Montesquieu)

The division of government into Legislative (makes laws), Executive (carries out laws), and Judicial (interprets laws) branches to prevent tyranny.

Checks and Balances (Montesquieu)

A system where distinct governmental powers limit and restrain one another so that power checks power.