Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Baron de Montesquieu The Philosophy of the Founders ****Men Who Were Not Americans, but Helped Determine What America Could Be

Let’s change the way things are!! But, how??? Courtesy: “We’d Like to Change the World, but We Don’t Know What to Do…..”

What would life be like if there were no government? What is the nature of all people? Good? Evil? Selfish? Caring?

Hobbes * Without government people lived in a state of nature. * Without written, enforceable rules, people would live like animals – foraging for food, fighting, stealing & killing, when necessary “…life would be solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short…” Courtesy:

Hobbes By entering a SOCIAL CONTRACT, people agreed to give up the state of nature for an organized society Courtesy:

Montesquieu Studied various types of government throughout Europe Advocated for a different system of government Divide powers of government among 3 branches the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branch Each branch should be able check the powers of the other two. Courtesy:

therefore they understand the law of nature through the use of their reason and follow it because of their conscience The law of nature provides for certain natural rights…. Life – freedom from threats to our security Liberty – freedom from other’s domination Property – freedom to work and gain economic goods (land, houses, tools, money -- necessary for survival) * People, by nature are reasonable and moral Locke Courtesy: http//academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu

Locke natural rights Life Liberty Property What are rights? Human rights Civil rights Political rights Student’s rights Rights that 1.all people are born with 2.cannot be taken away Rights – a claim to have or obtain something, or to act in a way that is justified on legal or moral grounds Courtesy: http//academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu

Locke * People enter into social contracts and form governments to protect their rights What is the purpose of government? How do people running the government get the right to govern? How should a government be organized? Courtesy: http//academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu

What is the purpose of government? How do people running the government get the right to govern? How should a government be organized? To protect people’s natural rights The consent of the people * Limit power by separating power * 3 branches of government