Political Philosophy: Tyranny, John Locke, and Thomas Paine

Flashcards covering definitions, systems, and theoretical views on tyranny, natural rights, social contract, and political writings of John Locke and Thomas Paine based on lecture notes.

Tyranny

The use of government power in a way that is cruel, unjust, or unchecked, held by a ruler or group not accountable to the people or limited by law.

Rules and Systems to Prevent Tyranny

Mechanisms including democracy, checks and balances, freedom of speech and religion, ability to overthrow, representation in government, constitutional rules and rights, antitrust laws, bicameral congress, and equal economic opportunity.

Natural Right to Life

According to John Locke, the right to survive and be protected against bodily harm.

Natural Right to Liberty

According to John Locke, the freedom to make choices and act independently.

Natural Right to Property

According to John Locke, the ownership of one's body and labor, physical goods, land, and economic means.

Social Contract

An agreement where government supports its people, people sacrifice absolute freedom for government to provide structure, and natural rights are protected by government.

Consent

The concept that consent equals power, where people create or choose government, agree to a representative body, and should not obey government without consent.

Action When Government Fails to Protect Natural Rights

According to Locke, citizens should overthrow or abolish the government, or change the government to fit their needs.

Purpose of Common Sense

Written by Thomas Paine to make the case for separation from monarchy, promote democratic spirit, shine light on the King obtaining all power, and convince colonists to join the revolution and govern themselves.

Government as a "Necessary Evil"

Thomas Paine's view that government is needed to keep humans in check and maintain order, requiring restrictions on absolute freedom because too much power leads to abuse.

Hierarchical Monarchy (Paine's View)

Paine's belief that all men are created equal, governance is not hereditary, and inheriting power is unfair because a ruler's children might not be suitable rulers.

Thomas Paine's Writing Style

Calm, simple terms, appealing to the majority of colonists, urgent, passionate, accessible, and selling.

John Locke's Writing Style

Non-aggressive, broad, generic, academic, and written in fancier "old timey" language for wealthier and educated readers.