The Enlightenment (in progress)
According to the passage, lawmakers who give absolute power to one leader or office have
abused the power given to them by the people.
Which statement best explains the role of government according to John Locke?
Governments should respect the fundamental rights of humans.
Which claim does Hobbes support in this passage?
People should be willing to give their government complete authority to rule.
Which statement best explains the role of government according to Thomas Hobbes?
The absolute authority of government is essential to ensure safety.
Social Contract
a theory that
Read the quote by John Locke from the Two Treatises of Government. The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom. For in all the states of created beings, capable of laws, where there is no law there is no freedom. This quote helps explain the idea of
writing laws to preserve rights.
Which phrase from the passage best explains why Hobbes believes in strong government authority?
"the injuries of one another, and thereby to secure them in such sort"
Which Enlightenment thinker believed that citizens should rebel against a tyrannical government?
John Locke
How did Baron de Montesquieu's beliefs differ from those of Thomas Hobbes?
Montesquieu believed that governments should have checks and balances, while Hobbes believed that governments should have absolute power.
Match each belief with the philosopher who would agree with it
Thomas Hobbes People are naturally selfish. Government should rule absolutely. John Locke People are naturally reasonable. Government should protect liberties. People have natural rights.
According to Locke, what happens when legislators take away property?
People have the right to stop doing what the government says.
What did John Locke believe about government? Check all that apply.
The government should protect people's fundamental rights. There should be a social contract between citizens and the government.
Based on this passage, what would most likely happen if a government became tyrannical?
The people would revolt against the ruling power.
According to Thomas Hobbes, what must citizens do in exchange for protection?
They must obey the government
Read the quote by Thomas Hobbes from Leviathan. Law was brought into the world for nothing else but to limit the natural liberty of particular men in such manner as they might not hurt, but assist one another, and join together against a common enemy. This quote helps explain the idea of
forming governments to protect citizens.
Which ideas did Montesquieu outline in his theory about the best structure of government? Check all that apply.
separation of powers checks and balances
Which concepts best relate to the ideas of John Locke? Check all that apply.
social contract absolute government
Which concepts best relate to the ideas of Thomas Hobbes? Check all that apply.
social contract absolute government
Natural Rights
the basic rights to which all humans are entitled to
Written by Baron de Montesquieu,The Spirit of the Laws is about
the ideal organization of government.
According to Thomas Hobbes, why do people create laws?
to limit opportunities to harm one another
According to John Locke, what is the primary purpose of laws?
to preserve liberty and freedom
Hobbes believes that people naturally become enemies because they
want what others have.