ISSFINAL2025

State of Nature

The state of nature is a society with no government. This includes a society with no laws or government, because in this society there is too much freedom. This can lead to unwanted violence and a rise in crime. There aren't any laws that keep citizens in check either.

Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence is a document written in 1776 that formally announced the American colonies separation from British rule. Authored mainly by Thomas jefferson, it states that all people have natural rights, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It argues that governments get their power from the consent of the governed and must protect these rights. If a government becomes destructive, the people have the right to alter it or abolish it. The document is significant because it laid the philosophical foundation for american democracy and justified the colonies rebellion to the world.

Adam Smith

Adam Smith, often known as the father of capitalism, believed that the government had three main roles in a healthy economy. First, the government should protect society from invasion through a strong military. Second, it should administer justice through a fair and effective legal system. Third, the state should provide public goods like infastructure, which individuals cannot profitably provide on their own. These roles ensure the market runs efficiently without interference in private enterprise. Smiths ideas are significant because they shaped modern economic thought and helped define the proper limits of government involvement in the economy.

Thomas Hobbs

Thomas Hobbes was a political philosopher who believed that in a state of nature—a world without government—people would live in constant fear and conflict. He argued that humans are naturally selfish and driven by a desire for power and survival, which would lead to violence and chaos without a central authority. To avoid this, Hobbes believed people must enter into a social contract, giving up some freedoms in exchange for the protection and order provided by a strong government. He supported the idea of an absolute ruler to maintain peace and enforce laws. Hobbes’ ideas are significant because they laid the foundation for modern political theory and highlighted the importance of government in preventing disorder and protecting citizens.

John Locke

John Locke was an Enlightenment philosopher who believed that all people are born with natural rights—life, liberty, and property. He argued that the main purpose of government is to protect these rights. Locke believed in the concept of the social contract, where citizens agree to obey a government only if it protects their natural rights. If the government fails to do so, people have the right to change or overthrow it. Locke’s ideas are significant because they strongly influenced the Declaration of Independence and the foundation of democratic governments, including the belief that power comes from the consent of the governed.

The United States Constitution

The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, written in 1787 to replace the weaker Articles of Confederation. It outlines the structure of the federal government, dividing it into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The Constitution includes checks and balances to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power. It also guarantees certain rights and freedoms through its amendments, starting with the Bill of Rights. The Constitution is significant because it established a lasting framework for American government and continues to guide legal and political decisions today.

Checks and Balances

Checks and balances is a principle in the U.S. Constitution that ensures each branch of government can limit the powers of the others. For example, the president can veto laws, but Congress can override that veto. The courts can rule laws unconstitutional, and Congress can impeach judges or presidents. This system prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful or abusing its authority. Checks and balances are significant because they protect democratic values and help maintain a balance of power within the federal government.

Totalitarian

A totalitarian government is one in which a single party or leader holds complete control over all aspects of life, including politics, the economy, media, and even personal beliefs. In a totalitarian regime, there are no individual freedoms, and opposition is often met with violence or censorship. Examples from history include Nazi Germany under Hitler and the Soviet Union under Stalin. These governments often use propaganda, surveillance, and fear to maintain power. Totalitarianism is significant because it shows the dangers of absolute power and the importance of protecting democratic institutions and civil liberties.