Why Government

Social Contract

An agreement between the people and their government signifying their consent to be governed.

natural rights

the idea that all humans are born with rights, which include the right to life, liberty, and property.

sovereign

a supreme ruler, especially a monarch.

state of nature

The basis of natural rights philosophy; a state of nature is the condition of people living in a situation without man-made government, rules, or laws.

life

People want to live and will fight to survive.

liberty

People want to be as free as possible to make their own decisions.

Property

People want to own things that help them survive, such as land, food, and tools.

John Locke

17th century English philosopher who opposed the Divine Right of Kings and who asserted that people have a natural right to life, liberty, and property.

Thomas Hobbes

English political philosopher who advocated absolute sovereignty as the only kind of government that could resolve problems caused by the selfishness of human beings.

Tabula Rasa

John Locke's concept of the mind as a blank sheet which will eventually be filled with experiences through the five senses.