Principles Philosophies behind theAmerican Democracy.pptVIP

What would life be like in the State of Nature? Would people generally be good to each other or bad to each other? Principles Philosophies behind theAmerican Democracy What is life like in the state of nature? Do you feel Safe? Do you require protections in the state of nature? What is your Nature? Do you see the glass as half empty or half full? Expanded Government Describes the State of Nature as, “a state of war of all against all”…”and which is worst of all, continual fear, and danger of violent death; and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short” Leviathan Thomas Hobbes Wrote, “the Leviathan,’ Life without government is nasty, brutish, and short” Social Contract: Government is protector of people. In return, people agree to limiting certain rights. (ie. Patriot Act) Limited Government Locke Rousseau Jean-Jacques Rousseau Felt that the main duty of government should be to maintain as much freedom as possible in a civilized society. John Locke Believed that the primary purpose of government was to protect each citizen’s natural right to life, liberty and property. Natural Law Locke believed that in an ideal state of nature, the law of nature would prevail. No one would have the right to interfere with natural rights. Did Locke believe that these ideals existed in the state of nature? Consent A social content was necessary. Individuals would agree to limit some of their rights for the protections that only the government could offer. When can a society withdraw their consent? Popular Sovereignty Popular--Made of or for the People Sovereignty-A Domain of Power-A Sphere of Influence. Then why is a government necessary at all? To Protect natural rights… Life---Security Liberty—Freedom Property—Economic gain. * * The Jungle Thomas Hobbes Social Contract Theory People control their domain of power or sphere of influence. In other words, people control the political process.