Key Historical Figures in Political Science and American Politics

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key historical figures, their major writings, and their foundational ideas in political science and American politics as presented in the POLS 1100 lecture notes.

Socrates (470-399 BC)

Early philosopher who wanted rule of the wise rather than the masses; he opposed pure democracy because he believed people lacked the "truth" to effectively govern themselves.

Plato (427-347 BC)

Author of The Republic who mistrusted direct democracy and feared demagogues; he advocated for philosopher kings and an ideal polis featuring universal education and equality among men and women.

Aristotle (384-322 BC)

Author of Politics who viewed humans as "political animals" and favored realism; he opposed "mere democracy" and proposed a balanced government consisting of monarchy, aristocracy, and polity.

Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527)

Realist author of The Prince who argued that ends justify the means and that rulers must be cunning to obtain and maintain power.

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679)

Author of Leviathan who described the state of nature as a "war of all against all" where life is "nasty, brutish, and short"; he advocated for an absolute monarchy to provide security.

English Civil War (1642-1651)

The conflict between the parliamentarians and royalists during which Thomas Hobbes wrote his political theories.

John Locke (1632-1704)

Author of Two Treaties of Government who argued for limited government, natural rights, and the right of citizens to rebel if the social contract is violated.

Francios-Marie Arouet “Voltaire” (1694-1778)

Thinker who wrote Essay on the Customs and Spirit of the Nations and promoted freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the separation of church and state.

Baron de Montesquieu (1689-1755)

Author of The Spirit of the Laws who is credited with the concept of the separation of powers.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)

Author of The Social Contract who believed humans are naturally good and should form a voluntary community to promote the "general will."

Adam Smith (1723-1790)

Author of The Wealth of Nations who theorized that free markets produce prosperity.

James Madison (1751-1836)

Co-author of the Federalist Papers and the U.S. Constitution who advocated for a large republic with competing groups and separation of powers.

Alexander Hamilton (1755-1804)

Co-author of the Federalist Papers who promoted a strong central government and a unitary executive.

Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859)

Author of Democracy in America who emphasized that political culture matters and expressed concern regarding the "tyranny of the majority."

Friedrich Engels (1820-1895)

Co-author of the Communist Manifesto who opposed capitalism and organized religion while promoting Communist revolution.

Karl Marx (1818-1883)

Author of Das Kapital who argued that private property allows for exploitation and called for a Communist revolution.

Max Weber (1864-1920)

Author of The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism who defined authority as legitimate power derived from tradition, law, or a charismatic leader.

Jane Addams (1860-1935)

Author of Democracy and Social Ethics who advocated for women's suffrage and social equality, particularly for the economically disadvantaged.

W.E.B. De Bois (1868-1963)

Author of The Souls of Black Folks who promoted equality and the right to vote for racial minorities.

C. Wright Mills (1916-1962)

Author of The Power Elite who argued that political power in the U.S. is controlled by a combination of corporate, military, and political elites.