Enlightenment Political Philosophy: Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau as presented in the notes.

Social Contract

An agreement between the sovereign and the people to enforce laws and ensure prosperity; once consented, people do not revolt; the sovereign is an absolute ruler. Hobbes

Consent

People’s agreement to empower the sovereign; under Hobbes this consent prevents revolution.

Absolute Power

Unrestricted, centralized authority in the hands of the king as the sovereign.(Hobbes)

Inalienable Rights

Rights that cannot be taken away, notably life, liberty, and property; if the ruler fails to protect them, the social contract is broken.(Locke)

Life, Liberty, Property

The classic trio of inalienable rights asserted by Locke as essential to liberty.(Locke)

Govern Lightly

Limited, restrained government that protects rights and is often representative. (Locke)

Representative Government

A government elected by the people to govern on their behalf; a key form of governance endorsed by Locke.

Propertyless Masses

The belief that those without property were unfit to participate in government.(Locke)

Parliamentary Government

A government structure where a parliament is the central legislative body; monarchy is not preferred.(Montesquieu)

Separation of Powers

Division of government into executive, legislative, and judicial branches with checks on each.(Montesquieu)

Checks and Balances

A system ensuring each branch can constrain the others to prevent tyranny. (Montesquieu)

No Social Contract

Montesquieu argued there is no overarching social contract; government is needed to avoid war and to make laws.(Montesquieu)

Social Contract

A contract with the whole community in which laws benefit all; the people are sovereign and are free from oppression.(Rousseau)

Sovereignty of the People

People collectively hold ultimate authority; laws should reflect the general will and benefit everyone.(Rousseau)

Property is Divisive

Owning property creates inequality and conflict within society.(Rousseau)

Natural State of Humanity

People are naturally good, free, and peaceful; property and society introduce inequality.(Rousseau)

Religion Weakens the State

Religion is seen as a force that can undermine state authority.(Rousseau)

Preservation of Property

One of the ends of government—protecting and preserving property. (Montesquieu)

Pursuit of Happiness

A modern reframing of inalienable rights that replaces property with the pursuit of happiness.(Locke)

"Government (preferably a King) has No Other End, but the Preservation of Property."

Locke quote

"Authority, not Wisdom, Should Make Laws. Men Alone are Driven for Perpetual Desire for Power."

Hobbes quote

"It is necessary that power should be a check to power."

Montesquieu quote

"People in their Natural State are Good but This Natural Innocence is Corrupted by the Evils of Society"

Rosseau quote