Thomas Hobbs
People are selfish, self-serving, and brutal. Without monarchy, society would be chaotic
Leviathan
n. something enormous and powerful; a sea monster
Book written by English philosopher Thomas Hobbes, maintained that sovereignty is ultimately derived from the people, who transfer it to the monarchy by implicit contract.
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.
John Locke
English philosopher who advocated the idea of a "social contract" in which government powers are derived from the consent of the governed and in which the government serves the people; also said people have natural rights to life, liberty and property.
Social Contract
A voluntary agreement among individuals to secure their rights and welfare by creating a government and abiding by its rules.
Natural Rights
the idea that all humans are born with rights, which include the right to life, liberty, and property
Tabula Rasa
John Locke's concept of the mind as a blank sheet ultimately bombarded by sense impressions that, aided by human reasoning, formulate ideas
Founding Fathers
representatives from each of the 13 colonies who decided to meet and write a document stating their reasons for separation and independence from England