Why Government Locke and Hobbes Overview

Why do you think governments exist? (Sentence Stem: I think governments exist because...)

What is a philosopher?

•  A private teacher who helps a student learn.

•  A ruler with complete power over the people, often a king or queen.

• A thinker who asks big questions about life, knowledge, and reality.

•  An educated person who studies a subject deeply.

What is the 'state of nature' as discussed by Hobbes and Locke?

• A type of government

• A thought experiment about life without rules

• A peaceful utopia

• A real historical period

According to Hobbes, what is the main reason for having a government?

• To maintain order and safety

• To ensure freedom

• To promote education

• To encourage creativity

What does Hobbes believe about human nature?

• People are naturally kind

• People are naturally selfish

• People are naturally creative

• People are naturally cooperative

What is John Locke's idea of 'tabula rasa'?

• A blank slate

• A peaceful society

• A natural leader

• A powerful ruler

What rights does Locke believe are natural to all humans?

• Education, health, and wealth

• Order, safety, and power

• Peace, love, and happiness

• Life, liberty, and property

Match the correct answer with the correct philosopher.

Groups:

(a) Thomas Hobbs

,

(b) John Locke

• The natural state is constant war

• The government needs to have total control in order to work.

• Believes in "Tabula Raza"

• Thinks humans are selfish

• Government has limited control and answers to the people.

• Believes humans have natural rights

What major US document was influenced by John Locke?

• The Federalist Papers
• The Bill of Rights
• The Constitution
• The Declaration of Independence

Which one do you think is more important to have in a society? Order or liberty? Explain your reasoning. (Sentence Stem: I think order/liberty is more important because...)