Modern Political

Sample Solution

     

Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince

In Machiavelli's The Prince, the relationship between government and citizen is based on power and fear. Machiavelli believed that the prince, or ruler, must be willing to use any means necessary to maintain power, even if it means being cruel or unjust. He argued that the prince must be feared by his subjects, in order to keep them in line.

Thomas Hobbes's Leviathan

In Hobbes's Leviathan, the relationship between government and citizen is based on a social contract. Hobbes believed that people naturally live in a state of war, where everyone is fighting for their own survival. In order to escape this state of war, people agree to give up some of their freedoms to a sovereign, or ruler. The sovereign in turn agrees to protect the people and uphold the social contract.

Full Answer Section

      Differences Between Machiavelli and Hobbes Machiavelli and Hobbes both believed that government is necessary to maintain order and prevent chaos. However, they differed in their views on the nature of government and the relationship between government and citizen. Machiavelli believed that the prince should be a strong and ruthless leader who is willing to use any means necessary to maintain power. Hobbes, on the other hand, believed that the sovereign should be limited by the social contract. How Hobbes and Machiavelli See the World Differently Hobbes and Machiavelli had different views on human nature and the state of society. Hobbes believed that people are naturally selfish and aggressive, and that society is a state of war without government. Machiavelli, on the other hand, believed that people are capable of both good and evil, and that society is a complex and ever-changing entity. These different views of human nature and society led to different views on the role of government. Hobbes believed that the government should be strong and powerful in order to keep people in line. Machiavelli, on the other hand, believed that the government should be flexible and adaptable in order to meet the changing needs of society. How Locke Breaks from Machiavelli and Hobbes John Locke's Two Treatises of Government was a major departure from the thinking of Machiavelli and Hobbes. Locke argued that the state of nature is not a state of war, but rather a state of freedom and equality. He believed that people are born with natural rights, such as the right to life, liberty, and property. Locke also argued that the government is created by the people and that its power is derived from the consent of the governed. He believed that the government has a limited role and that it should only interfere in people's lives when necessary to protect their natural rights. Evolution of Thinking on the Rights of the Citizen Locke's thinking on the rights of the citizen has had a profound impact on the development of democracy. His ideas about natural rights and limited government are enshrined in the constitutions of many countries, including the United States. Locke's thinking also influenced the development of the American Revolution. The Founding Fathers of the United States were heavily influenced by Locke's ideas about natural rights and limited government. They enshrined these ideas in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. Conclusion Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Locke were three of the most influential thinkers on the nature of government and the relationship between government and citizen. Their ideas have shaped the development of modern democracy. Additional Thoughts It is important to note that Machiavelli and Hobbes were writing during a time of great political instability and violence. They were both concerned with the problem of maintaining order in a chaotic world. This is why they emphasized the importance of a strong government, even if it meant sacrificing some individual freedoms. Locke, on the other hand, was writing during a more peaceful and prosperous time. He was more concerned with the protection of individual rights and liberties. This is why he emphasized the importance of limited government. The ideas of Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Locke continue to be relevant today. We continue to debate the role of government and the balance between individual rights and the common good.