Philosophers Who Helped Shape U.S. Government

Thomas Hobbes English Philosopher wrote book Leviathan Believed in Social Contract Theory- people willing to give up liberty in exchange for protection and order of government Believed that people were equal under the law Believed that people were inherently evil and does thing out of self-interest Believed that government was limited to doing only those things that benefitted the people Preferred idea of a monarchy

John Locke Philosopher who also believed in a social contract Wrote book Two Treatises on Government stating that social contract between ruler and people Believed that if government didn’t keep contract could be overthrown by people Idea of Natural Rights-God given rights of life, liberty, and property

Baron de Montesquieu Brought about the idea of separation of powers by adding a judicial branch Believed that in a republic, education was a necessity Believed that democracies were corrupt…therefore there is a need for judiciary in a democracy