C1.4 Philosophers Study Cards

What is the main idea of the social contract?

• People give up all their rights to the government

• People give up some freedoms in exchange for protection and security

• The government rules without the people’s input

• Citizens must always obey without question

Which philosophers are most associated with the idea of the social contract?

• Thomas Jefferson and George Washington

• Montesquieu and Aristotle

• John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• Hobbes and Machiavelli

What does consent of the governed mean?

• Governments get power from wealthy elites

• Citizens must obey the government at all times

• Government power comes from the approval of the people

• Leaders inherit power from their families

How do citizens give their consent in a democracy?

• By paying taxes

• By voting for leaders or following laws

• By joining political parties

• By serving in the military

Which philosopher described life in a “state of nature” as “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short”?

• Rousseau

• Locke

• Hobbes

• Montesquieu

According to John Locke, people are born with which natural rights?

• Life, liberty, and property

• Freedom, equality, and happiness

• Power, justice, and wealth

• Safety, obedience, and loyalty

Who argued for the separation of powers into legislative, executive, and judicial branches?

• Hobbes

• Montesquieu

• Rousseau

• Locke

What does “checks and balances” help prevent?

• Citizens participating in government

• One branch of government from becoming too powerful

• Leaders being elected fairly

• Citizens overthrowing leaders

Rousseau believed people in their natural state were:

• Selfish and violent

• Naturally good and equal

• Always corrupt and greedy

• Dependent on kings for protection

Which philosopher believed government should reflect the general will of the people?

• Hobbes

• Locke

• Rousseau

• Montesquieu