Key Concepts in Political Philosophy

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Consent

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To give permission or allow. If the people have not given their consent to create a government, there is no legitimate government.

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Natural Rights

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According to John Locke, the rights to life, liberty and property. God created the laws of nature, so they were given by God.

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Purpose of Government

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To protect the natural rights of its citizens and to provide order and security within society.

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Social Contract

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An agreement among individuals to form a society and a government, giving up some freedoms in exchange for protection of essential rights.

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State of Nature

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A philosophical concept describing the hypothetical conditions of humanity before the establishment of government and laws.

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John Locke

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A 17th-century English philosopher who argued for the protection of natural rights and the idea of the social contract as the basis of government.