1. Political Philosophers
Mr. Miyashiro
August 2016
Revised: August 2017,2018
Otterville High School Civics/Government

2. Each of the following political philosophers have important ideas that helped to influence the founding fathers of our nation.
The founding fathers took ideas from each of these men.
As a notice: we will be having a short quiz over these philosophers next week

3. Thomas Hobbes Born in England in 1588
Father was a clergyman
Became interested in why people allowed themselves to be ruled
Looked to find which form of government would be the best for his home country
Most famous work was called Leviathan

4. Hobbes’ Ideas
Said that people were naturally wicked and should not be trusted to govern
People have a desire for power
People and Nations both act on their evil impulses
Believed that every country was in a constant battle for power and wealth
Developed that life was “nasty brutish and short”

5. Hobbes’ Solution
Hobbes believed that it was the Role of Governments to protect people from their own selfishness and evil.
Hobbes thought that the only government that could work was one that had the power of a sea monster, also known as a leviathan
Supported the rule of a king- the country needed an authority figure to provide leadership
Didn’t support democracy because people were only interested in promoting their self interests

6. Hobbes and the Social Contract
A Social Contract would have to be made to promote safety and order in an organized society
The people would give up some of their freedom to the government
In exchange, the government would bring safety and order into the lives of its citizens

7. John Locke
Also born in England
Studied medicine

8. Locke’s Ideas Locke rejected the idea of “Divine Right”
Idea that people who rule do so because it is the will of one or more god(s)
Most famous work is called “The Second Treatise of Civil Government”
Argues against Hobbes’ idea that people are naturally evil

9. Locke’s Most Famous Idea
Locke believed that there are certain rights that every person has that cannot be taken away by any government
Life
Liberty
Right to property

10. Montesquieu Born in France
From a rich family, but was taken care of by a poor family while a child
Went to college, became a lawyer

11. Montesquieu’s Beliefs
Said that government should be secular (not founded by religion)
Didn’t support atheism
Just thought that government should be tolerant of many religions
Also believed that the government should be broken up to prevent an over reach of power

12. Montesquieu’s Solution
Montesquieu suggested that there be Separation of Powers
One part of government would have the power to do each of the following
Make Laws
Enforce Laws
Judge if a law has been broken

13. Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Born in Switzerland
His family was from France
Had to work for an engraver
Tried teaching, didn’t enjoy it

14. Rousseau’s Ideas
Thought that people were good, but society corrupted them
Supported a direct democracy
Where people vote individually on laws (We’ll talk more about different types of governments starting on Tuesday)
Rousseau believed that if the government didn’t support the rights of the majority, then that government could be and should be overthrown

15. Hey, Mr. Miyashiro, What are we doing Thursday?
That’s a great question.
We’ll be reviewing most of the information we’ve already covered!

16. Sources of Power/ Limits of Power
Why can people rule over us, anyways?

17. 4 Theories There are 4 theories on how the government gets its power
Evolutionary
Force
Divine Right
Social Contract

18. Evolutionary Theory The first populations formed from growing families
The heads of these families got together to form the government
Usually little resistance to leadership
As size of family grew, so did the number of leaders
Example: Scottish Clans

19. Force Theory The biggest, baddest, strongest was the one in charge
The right to rule is based on the person or group’s ability to force others to follow their rules
Example: Nazi Germany, Romans

20. Divine Right Theory
According to Divine Right Theory the state was created by God
God then chose whoever they wanted to rule to rule that area
Of if you disagree with the King, you’re disagreeing with God
Example: Many of the European Kings 1100 BCE-1600 BCE

21. Social Contract Theory
Developed by Thomas Hobbes, expanded on by others
Population of a given area has given up some power and freedom in order to receive protection from the government