Understanding Government and Social Contracts

According to the text, what is the "state of nature"?

• A condition where government and laws exist in perfect harmony

• The natural condition of mankind without government or laws

• A state where only the wealthy have power

• A system of organized civilization

How did John Locke's view of the state of nature differ from Thomas Hobbes?

• Locke saw it as chaotic while Hobbes saw it as peaceful

• Hobbes viewed it as orderly while Locke saw it as dangerous

• Locke viewed it as a state of perfect freedom for those following nature's laws

• They had identical views on the state of nature

What is the relationship between civil society and social contract?

• They are opposing concepts that cannot coexist

• Civil society exists independently of social contracts

• They have no relationship to each other

• People enter civil society by forming a social contract

What happens to individual sovereignty when people enter into a social contract?

• It remains completely unchanged

• It increases significantly

• It disappears entirely

• Some of it is given up in exchange for participation

What are natural rights according to the text?

• Rights that can be taken away by the government

• Rights that only apply to certain groups

• Basic rights that no government can deny

• Rights that change based on circumstances

How is power different from authority?

• Authority is the legitimate use of power

• They are exactly the same thing

• Power requires more force than authority

• Authority exists without power

What creates a civil society?

• Government mandates and laws

• Forced participation by citizens

• Voluntary participation by individuals

• Economic systems

What is absolute freedom?

• Freedom that only exists in civil society

• Freedom to act without any limits

• Freedom granted by government

• Freedom with responsibilities