1. Political Philosophers

2. Thomas Hobbes
Before there was government, people lived in a state of nature-people were not subject to any superior power, could take whatever they wanted by force
People were only as safe as their own strength and intelligence
Government is a Social Contract
Social contract- people give up some of their freedom in return they gain protection from the government
Absolute Ruler- KING
Uprisings are denied
Strong Central Government
No Right to rebel in society

3. John Locke Government is a Social Contract All men are created equal.
Government is run by the consent of the People- if there is no longer consent, government does not exist
Any Government that does not use consent of the People can be overthrown.
People have ‘natural rights’
Life
Liberty
Property

4. Montesquieu Key Points Government is a Social Contract
Democracies are created by the love of virtue –( the willingness to put the interests of the community ahead of private interests.)
Governments are run with different branches so that power is not in the hands of one
Government regulated by checks and balances of the powers of the different Branches to ensure that one branch does not take too much power

5. WORD BANK Locke Montesquieu Consent of People Strong Central Gov’t
Natural Rights
Sovereign Ruler
Equality
Social Contract
Uprising Not Possible
Uprising encouraged
Democracy
Balance of Powers
3 Branches of gov’t
Love of Virtue
Hobbes
One branch of gov’t