Introduction
The United States political system is best understood through the philosophies of John Locke and Thomas Hobbes. Locke and Hobbes were pivotal philosophers in shaping the United States, and their ideas about freedom and equality laid the foundation for establishing the US political system. This paper examines the details of Locke and Hobbes’ works and how they could have influenced the governing system of the United States.
Influence of Locke’s and Hobbes’s Philosophies on the U.S. Government
To achieve political stability and prosperity for all citizens of the United States, a new system of governance was necessary, one that reflected the principles of rights and power. Locke and Hobbes were key philosophers in this process (Sasan, 2021). They contributed significantly to creating a political system that implements their ideas of freedom and equality.
For Locke, rights and power must be separated. He asserted that the right lies in the hands of the citizens and cannot be altered without their consent. Locke’s ideas were incorporated into the US Constitution. It guarantees the citizens of the United States freedom and the right to make their own decisions without oppressive interference from the state. Hobbes also contributed to the establishment of the US political system (Sasan, 2021). He promoted ideas of equality based on his theory of the social contract.
Hobbes proposed the theory that the state should be based on the rights and privileges of its citizens. Thus, citizens must have equal rights and opportunities to participate in decision-making on matters of policy and law. These ideas were included in the US Constitution (Sasan, 2021). It ensures the citizens of the US equal participation in governance and equal rights for all citizens.
Comparing Views on the Relationship Between the Individual and the State
Locke and Hobbes deliberated on government and the relationship between the individual and the state. For John Locke, the relationship between the state and the individual should be established based on the principle of voluntary association. He believed that people should voluntarily join the state and abide by the rules and laws it offers (Sasan, 2021). He also urged people to consistently adhere to the law and respect the authorities.
Thomas Hobbes opposed John Locke’s ideas. He believed that the state and the individual should be independent. He emphasized that the state should be under the control of the people, not the other way around. There should never be terror or harsh oppression. He also called for individual autonomy and the right to choose one’s life and make decisions.
In general, the relationship between the individual and the state is complex. John Locke and Thomas Hobbes had different approaches to understanding and exploring this topic (Sasan, 2021). Nevertheless, both believed that the individual and the state should maintain a balance in their relationships.
Conclusion
The philosophy of John Locke and Thomas Hobbes is crucial to understanding the political system of the United States. They made a significant contribution to establishing a system of governance founded on their principles of freedom, equality, and equal participation in governance. These ideas were incorporated into the US Constitution and still support governance in the United States. Thus, it can be concluded that the philosophies of John Locke and Thomas Hobbes were important factors in shaping the governing system of the United States.
Reference
Sasan, J. M. V. (2021). The Social Contract Theories of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke: Comparative Analysis.