Foundational Political Ideas: Hobbes, Locke, and Aristotle on Government and Civil Society

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59 Terms

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Aristotle

Philosopher who categorized governments into types based on their rule for the common good or private good.

<p>Philosopher who categorized governments into types based on their rule for the common good or private good.</p>
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Monarchy/Kingship

A form of government ruled by one for the common good.

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Tyranny

A form of government ruled by one for private good.

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Aristocracy

A form of government ruled by a few for the common good.

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Oligarchy

A form of government ruled by a few for private good.

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Polity

A form of government ruled by many for the common good.

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Democracy

A form of government ruled by many for private good, often referred to as mob rule.

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State of Nature (Hobbes)

Described by Hobbes as a State of War where life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.

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Leviathan

The state to which individuals give up all rights in exchange for security according to Hobbes.

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State of Nature (Locke)

Described by Locke as governed by the Fundamental Laws of Nature, where individuals give up only two rights to form civil society.

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Fundamental Laws of Nature

The principles that govern the State of Nature according to Locke.

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Civil Society

Formed when individuals give up certain rights to protect their lives, liberties, and possessions under the rule of law.

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Right to Rebel (Hobbes)

According to Hobbes, people do not have the right to rebel against the government.

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Right to Rebel (Locke)

According to Locke, people have the right and duty to rebel against oppressive government.

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Government's Role (Hobbes)

Must provide security to its people and supervise all religious and intellectual publications.

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Government's Role (Locke)

Must be tolerant of religious differences and cannot permanently give up its lawmaking powers.

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Emphasis of Hobbes

Power and security.

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Emphasis of Locke

Protection of life, liberty, and possessions.

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Influence of Hobbes and Locke

Both have significantly influenced American political thought and culture pertaining to government.

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Aristotle's Types of Government

Categorized into good and bad forms based on their focus on common or private good.

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State of Nature Characteristics

Insecure internally and externally, leading to a State of War.

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Problem in State of Nature (Hobbes)

Security issues leading to a life described as solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.

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Lockean

Influence on U.S. Domestic Politics.

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Hobbesian

Influence on U.S. Foreign & Defense Politics.

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Civil Government

Formed within the context of civil society to protect our lives, liberties, and possessions.

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Legislature

Must be supreme in making laws and must never permanently give up law making powers.

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Rule of Law

Predictability through a known and established law.

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Sovereignty

The ability to enforce the law; monopoly of state power.

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Oppressive Government

According to Locke, it is the right and duty of individuals to restore civil government.

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Revolution

The act of restoring civil government, as in The American Revolution.

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Sovereign

The U.S. Constitution by way of the consent of the people.

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Type of Government

Federal Republic, sometimes called a Democratic Republic.

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State of Nature

Concept regarding government; Hobbes and Locke differ on their respective concepts.

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Rights Given Up

Hobbes and Locke discuss how many rights people give up to leave a state of nature and establish government.

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Supreme Branch

In a civil society, the legislature is supreme regarding making laws.

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9th Amendment

Addresses rights given up by people.

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Influence on Policies

Hobbes and Locke influenced U.S. domestic and foreign & defense policies, respectively.

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What was the first constitution of the United States?

The Articles of Confederation

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What significant event occurred in 1066?

The Norman Invasion of England

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According to Aristotle, what are the two types of rule?

Good rule for the common good and bad rule for private interests

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What are the three forms of government according to Aristotle?

Monarchy/Kingship, Oligarchy, Democracy

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What does Hobbes believe about the state of nature?

It is a state of war where humans are selfish and require a strong government for security.

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What is the Leviathan in Hobbes' political philosophy?

The state to which individuals give up their rights for security.

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What is the main emphasis of Hobbes' political ideas?

Power and security

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What does John Locke argue about the state of nature?

It is governed by fundamental laws of nature and creates civil government.

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What rights do individuals give up to form a civil society according to Locke?

Only two rights to protect their lives, liberties, and possessions.

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What is the role of the legislature in Locke's concept of civil government?

It must be supreme in making laws and cannot permanently give up law-making powers.

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What does Locke say about oppressive governments?

People have the duty to reinstate their government if it becomes oppressive.

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What is the significance of the 9th Amendment in the U.S. Constitution?

It implies that rights not listed in the Constitution are still retained by the people.

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What type of government is the United States classified as?

A Federal Republic, sometimes called a Democratic Republic.

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What does 'sovereignty' mean in the context of government?

The ability to enforce the law and maintain a monopoly of state power.

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What is the main purpose of civil government according to Locke?

To protect lives, liberty, and possessions.

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What is the relationship between civil society and civil government according to Locke?

Civil society creates civil government to implement laws and protect rights.

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What is the philosophical question posed by Aristotle regarding governance?

Is it better to be ruled by the best men or the best laws?

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What does the term 'passive approval' refer to in governance?

The notion that the consent of the governed can be implied rather than explicitly stated.

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What is a key characteristic of a federal government?

It shares powers between national and state governments.

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What does Locke believe about human nature?

Humans have good potential but are flawed, leading to imperfect governments.

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What does Hobbes suggest about rebellion against the government?

There is no right to rebel against the government.

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What does the term 'mob rule' refer to in the context of democracy?

A situation where the majority can impose its will without regard for minority rights.