Social Contract Theory

Which of the following claims does the author support the LEAST?

• The idea of a "social contract" had a significant effect on the United States.

• People have the right to remove rulers who take their rights.

• Leaders provide protection in exchange for authority.

• Life without government is short and dangerous.

hat the text says

Read the following sentences from the article.

However, in Hobbes' theory, once the power was given to the state, the people then gave up any right to that power.

The essence of this idea is that the will of the people as a whole gives power and direction to the state.

According to Rousseau, people must give authority to the government through a "social contract" for mutual preservation.

From this principle, it follows that a government established by the free choice of its people is required to serve the people.

Which two sentences taken together provide the BEST evidence to support the idea that government exists to work on behalf of the people?

• 1 and 3

• 1 and 4

• 2 and 3

• 2 and 4

How did John Locke affect the idea of the "social contract?"

• Locke argued that people had the right to remove rulers who tried to take the rights of the people.

• Locke suggested that without a powerful leader the strong would take advantage of the weak.

• Locke explained that life without a government was dangerous and violent.

• Locke believed that people joined together to work toward the common good.

What role does security play in the "social contract?"

• In the "social contract" people have the right to safely remove ineffective leaders.

• In the "social contract" all political power is derived from the will of the people.

• In the "social contract" people trade some of their rights in exchange for protection.

• In the "social contract" a government that does not keep people safe can be overthrown.

WHY was the idea of popular sovereignty an important development?

• because it was different than other prominent theories of governance

• because it became the basis of government in the United States

• because it improved the quality of life for people worldwide

• because it gave monarchies more power

Select the paragraph from the article that suggests people can fight back against leaders if they violate their rights.

• Philosophers Jean-Jacques Rousseau and John Locke each took the social contract theory one step further. In 1762, Rousseau wrote a book called "The Social Contract, Or Principles of Political Right." He explained that the government is built on the idea of popular sovereignty. The will of the people as a whole gives power and direction to the state.

• In his book, Rousseau discusses the fact that "man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains." These chains are not natural. Instead, they come about through power and control. According to Rousseau, people must give authority to the government through a "social contract" for mutual preservation. He calls the citizens who have joined together the "sovereign." The sovereign makes the laws and the government enforces them. In the end, the people are always looking out for the common good as opposed to the selfish needs of each individual.

• John Locke also based his writings on the idea of the social contract. He stressed the role of the individual and the idea that in the "state of nature," people are essentially free. However, they might decide to form a government to punish any individuals who go against the laws of nature and harm others.

• According to Locke, the power of a king or government comes from the people. They make a "social contract," giving away rights to the ruler in exchange for security and laws. In addition, individuals have natural rights such as the right to hold property. The government cannot take this away without their consent. If a king or ruler breaks the contract, the people have the right to offer resistance and, if necessary, remove the ruler from power.