Similarities Between Locke And Hobbes

The American constitutional system is the basis in which America’s laws and the government’s authority is limited by the United States Constitution. The U.S. Constitution, which was put into action on March 4, 1789, served to be a revision and replacement of the flawed Articles of Confederation. It not only settled the that the government was for the people, it also sated the levels of power in government with its three branches, taxing rights for the government, and the ability to change the Constitution when deemed necessary. Although many don’t know much about what the constitution states, the one thing most people would know from it are the ever-growing amendments and the Bill of Rights which derives from the first ten amendments of the

In Hobbes view, as stated in Leviathan, men are all equal but “if any two men desire the same thing, which neverthelesse they cannot both enjoy, they become enemies; and in the way to their End…”.[1] which reference how mankind’s desires can cause war which is natural. On the other hand, although Locke believes that all men are created equally such as Hobbes does, he states that “no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions… we are naturally induced to seek communion and fellowship with others: this was the cause of men's uniting themselves at first in politic societies.”[2], which unlike Hobbes views where men are inherently evil and against one another, Locke believes mankind is one of unity, peace, and

Hobbes believed that the best way to have order in a society was to run the government as an absolute monarchy. He stated that “a Monarch cannot disagree with himselfe, out of envy, or interest; but an Assembly may; and that to such a height, as may produce a Civill Warre.”[3] That excerpt meant that in an absolute monarchy, if a law or action is to be taken, it would occur due to the power being in a monarch, whereas with an assembly, there could be disagreement and fighting amongst themselves based on self-interest. Throughout Leviathan he expressed interest in a monarchy which aligns with his views that mankind is evil in the state of nature, and a sole monarch would be the answer that conflict between ideals. Locke, on the other hand, believed that a government’s purpose was to protect individual’s right and have separated powers. In Second Treatise, Locke stated that “legislative and executive power come often to be separated”[4] and “it is necessary there should be a power always in being, which should see to the execution of the laws”[4], which is where he came to separate three different branches of power, each dictating its own field. Aside from the idea of separation of powers, Locke also kept referring “that they make them for the public good” [4] when bringing up laws, and for the