1. THOMAS HOBBES Main idea: Absolute Rule by a King or Queen
Philosophy included the following:
People are , by nature cruel, selfish, greedy, and power hungry
Governments are created to protect people from their own selfishness
The best form of government must be one with absolute authority
Ruler is able to maintain order
Ruler is able to make decision that were good for society as a whole
Leviathan: Hobbes’ book describing his political ideas

2. JOHN LOCKE
Main Idea: Natural rights are guaranteed to all people regardless of their place in
society and The Social Contract
Political Philosophy:
purpose of government was to protect people’s natural rights
the right of life, liberty, and property
“Two Treatises of Government”: political writings that describe his ideas
He argued that governments had political power based on the CONSENT of
the governed
People have the right and the duty to change the government if it does not
protect their rights
If necessary, the people should overthrow their government if it does not
Example: The Glorious Revolution of 1688 and The American Revolution in 1776

3. BARON de MONTESQUIEU
MAIN IDEA: Separation of Powers and a Balance of Powers
POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY:
Government should be organized based on “separation of powers’
Power is balanced among three branches of government
Executive: an elected official who shares power to run the country and carry out
any laws created by a legislative body
Legislative: elected officials who serve the people of their district/region and
make laws to benefit the masses
Judicial: Insure that all laws created are legal and binding and do not infringe
upon the rights of the people
Each branch checks the power of the others
Without a balance of powers, people’s liberty will be lost

4. VOLTAIRE MAIN IDEA: Religious tolerance and Freedom of Speech
POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY:
Strongly believed in the rights of all people to have free speech
Candide: Book written by him that outlined his ideas; widely read
Supported the idea of religious freedom for all people throughout France
His criticism of government saw him jailed twice; had to flee country
Quote: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to
say it.”

5. CESARE BECCARIA MAIN IDEA: The Rights of the Accused
POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY:
BOOK: “On Crimes and Punishments”
Outlined his political ideas on the treatment of prisoners
Decried the use of torture to get a confession
Wanted an end to secret trials
Judges needed to be neutral and unbiased against the accused
The punishment should fit the seriousness of the crime
People should receive a fair and speedy trial
Torture and capital (death penalty) punishment should be abolished

6. ABIGAIL ADAMS MAIN IDEA: Women should have the same rights as men
POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY:
Wife of President John Adams
She had limited formal education: self-taught
She opposed slavery
Supported the rights of women to be independent of their husbands
Supported the right of women to vote in national and regional elections
Valued by her husband for her intelligence, wit, and opinions
Believed that “true religion” comes from the heart: Deist

7. JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU
MAIN IDEA: THE SOCIAL CONTRACT
POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY:
Humans were naturally good, but corrupted by society and civilized life
Advocated the use of feelings as well as reason to solve problems
People should live close to nature
“The Social Contract”: Outlined his political philosophy
Governments are there to serve the people
Government and people come up with a “social contract”; it outlines their
agreement
If government breaks the contract, the people have the right to change it or
to overthrow it
Example: The American Revolution, 1776 and The French Revolution, 1789

8. MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT MAIN IDEA: Defended the rights of women
POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY:
One of the most powerful defenders of women’s rights in the 18th century
She sought to eliminate social and gender inequalities
Supported education for men and women
Book: “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman”
Women have reason and should be able to use it
Advocated for women to work outside of the home
Ran a successful business
Her daughter would write the novel: “Frankenstein”