Political Thinkers and Government Concepts

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Charles-Louis Montesquieu

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Stressed the importance of separation of powers between branches of government.

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John Locke

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Argued that human nature necessitates the existence of a social contract in which authority is vested by the people to protect the interests and rights of others at the expense of certain personal liberties.

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Thomas Hobbes

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Argued for judicial review and the importance of an independent judiciary.

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James Madison

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Wrote about the dangers of factions and explained how a 'well-constructed republic' would 'control the effects of factions.'

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Alexander Hamilton

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Strongly influenced both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution by promoting the idea that governments are social contracts created by people willingly giving up freedom to gain protection of life and property.

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Declaration of Independence

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Argues that governments should protect the 'inalienable rights' of 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'

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Articles of Confederation

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Formed a union of states as a ‘league of friendship’ in which the national government had little power.

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Federalist #10

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Suggest that majority rule can become tyrannical because passionate and unified citizens will have the power to oppress the rights of others unless constitutionally restrained.

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Federalist #51

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Argues that government is a necessary evil and government power must be separated into branches that have the power to check each other.

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Federalist #78

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Argues that the judicial branch and its review powers were substantially limited by constitutional clauses, separation of powers, and the stipulation that terms were dependent upon ‘good behavior.'