Check In 1 Review

​Check In #1 Review

By Meredith EastWakeMS

💬 Thinker #1: Thomas Hobbes

Key Idea: People are naturally selfish and need a strong ruler to keep order.

Why He Thought That:

He lived through wars and chaos in England.

Believed people would fight and steal if left alone.

Thought a powerful government (even a king) keeps people safe.

⚖️ Hobbes’ Ideal Government:

➡️ Strong central ruler (absolute monarchy)

➡️ People give up some freedom for safety.

Quick Tip to Remember:

“Hobbes = Harsh.” He believed people need harsh control to stay peaceful.

💬 Thinker #2: Baron de Montesquieu

Key Idea: People misuse power — so divide it up!

Why He Thought That:

Saw kings and rulers abuse authority.

Believed separating power (3 branches) keeps government fair.

⚖️ Montesquieu’s Ideal Government:

➡️ Power divided into 3 branches (legislative, executive, judicial)

➡️ Each branch checks the others.

Quick Tip to Remember:

“Montesquieu = Many powers.” Many parts of government prevent selfishness.

Multiple Choice

People are selfish — we need a strong ruler.

• Hobbes

• Montesquieu

Multiple Choice

Montesquieu argued that dividing government power among branches would prevent abuse. What does this suggest about his view of human nature?

• 
  People are naturally selfish and can misuse power.

• 
  People are always fair and moral.

• Citizens do not need rules to guide them.

• Only kings can make wise decisions.

Multiple Choice

Which thinker believed that people are naturally selfish and need a strong ruler to keep order?

• 
  John Locke

• Thomas Hobbes

• Montesquieu

• Rousseau

Multiple Choice

People misuse power — we must divide it.

• Hobbes

• Montesquieu