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Political Philosophers Who Influenced The Founding Fathers

Book Preferred Form of Government Life in the

“State of Nature” Natural Rights Theory of Government

Thomas Hobbes 1588-1679 Leviathan Absolute Monarchy

Human behavior is built on egoism, or self-interest, which is the root of all social conflict.

Freedom, equality (can be forfeited)

“Implied Contract” People give up freedom & equality to government in exchange for order and security – must obey; no right to revolt.

John Locke 1632-1704

The Second Treatise of Civil

Government

Constitutional

Monarchy

(property owners have right to vote)

Brutal, because passions overrule man’s natural goodness

Life, Liberty, Equality, & Property

(inalienable)

“Social Contract” Government can only govern with the consent of the governed. People must agree on who their rulers will be. Government is limited. People have a right to revolt against a government.

Charles Montesquieu

1689-1775 The Spirit of Laws Republic

Timid, fearful individuals unite for strength; this strong society then tends to war on the weaker individuals & groups.

Does not deal with this concept

Function of Government is to maintain law & order, protect political liberty and individual’s property. Abuse of power by government is avoided by separation of powers and checks and balances.

David Hume 1711-1776

A Treatise of Human Nature Republic

Man is not entirely self-serving; seeks balance

Free Speech is essential

A constitution is needed to prevent bad government.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau 1712-1778

The Social Contract Direct Democracy

Man was born free, equal, and happy. Property ownership leads to inequality & violence.

Liberty, equality – property is a fraud on the poor by the rich.

“Social Contract” Government is the instrument for carrying out the people’s laws – the people are sovereign, the government is not. Laws are arrived at by direct debate and vote, majority rules, and full citizen participation is critical.