Utilizing the Resources Provided for You and Your Knowledge of the American Political System

Hobbes vs. Locke

Utilizing the resources provided for you and your knowledge of the American political system, discuss the similarities and differences in the political philosophies on Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. Be sure to focus on their views regarding man in nature, the necessity, formation, and role of government, and the limitations of governmental power. 

Note: Make sure your responses are organized in clear and logical fashion and are supported from the information provided to you.

As political politicians, John Locke and Thomas Hobbes tackle many of the same questions but both have very different viewpoints on the role of government and the amount of power it is given. Hobbes believes government should be given all the power. He says, “nature hath made man so equal.” Because of this, no man can be truly safe. Although one man may be physically or mentally stronger than another, the weaker man “has strength enough to kill the strongest.” Weather through secret machination or alliances with others, a weaker man can prevail. Because no man is truly safe, he believes that it is the duty of government to protect every man. By giving the government everything they will have the ability to protect those loyal to it; in turn for loyalty, the government will provide protection. Hobbes believes in a monarch run government and that the only way man can live in peace is through control by a single supreme leader.

Contrary to Hobbes belief, Locke believes that government should have little control over the people. He believes the people of the nation should be able to govern themselves with little help from the government. Locke states that the government should, “govern by promulgated established laws,” that are put in place for the good of the people. In addition he says the government cannot raise taxes without the consent of the people nor transfer power to anywhere but where the people have it. Locke believes besides having to follow minor lows and regulations, the people should have the power to govern themselves and elect those to regulate the laws.

Federalists

From the beginning of the Constitutional Convention through ratification, the founding fathers divided into two camps: the Federalists and the Antifederalists. Utilizing the resources provided for you and your knowledge of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, discuss the reasons