How Did Thomas Hobbes Contribute To The Constitution

THE U.S CONSTITUION With all the different philosophers, on cannot really tell who is the main contributor to the constitution. There were so many great minds throughout history, they had similar ideas but at the same time very different ideas. One example of this Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher who is generally credited with developing the theories behind modern Western political philosophy. In his landmark book “Leviathan” he discusses the rights of individuals, the natural equality of all men, and the concept that all political power should be derived from the consent of the people. While, John Locke was also an English philosopher who is considered the Father of Classical Liberalism. He believed in

Like Hobbes, Locke believed humans to be inherently selfish. However, while Hobbes believed people to be incapable of self-governance in the absence of a central leading figure to provide guidance and support, Locke argued that ordinary humans have a large capacity to make reasonable and rational decisions. Locke asserted that people, as rational and emotional beings, have natural rights. People, Locke believed, have rights to life, liberty and property that governments should not deny. The common people, Locke asserted, have the right to overthrow established governments if their basic natural rights do not receive protection. Locke proposed in the "Second Treatise of Government" that transparency in government and a central democratic system, which allows for interaction between officials and the public, are keys to success. John Locke’s ideas about the purpose of the government inspired the American Revolution and influenced the creation of the Declaration of Independence. Many believed that Locke’s ideas were noble and right, and they wanted the spirit of equal rights and freedom to permeate the new government being created in America. Modern democracy evolved from the fundamental beliefs that Locke held. In his writings, Locke supported representative government and a system of checks and balances to prevent to government from possessing absolute power. Locke truly believed that citizens are capable of reasoning and governing themselves. He gravely warned that if people were continuously mistreated and denied their natural rights, they would rebel against the