Political Science 101 POLS: Political Theory Social Contract Theory Hobbes Leviathan State of Nature Absolutism Locke Second Treatise Natural Rights Limited Government Rousseau General Will Direct Democracy

1. What This Is & Why It Matters

Social Contract Theory: The Foundation of Modern Politics

Social Contract Theory is the idea that individuals voluntarily surrender some of their natural rights to a governing authority in exchange for protection and stability. This concept is central to political science because it explains the origins and legitimacy of governments, and why citizens obey the law. Without understanding Social Contract Theory, you can't explain why some democracies collapse, why authoritarian regimes persist, or why citizens rebel against their governments.

Consider the example of the Arab Spring, where citizens in Tunisia and Egypt rose up against authoritarian regimes, demanding greater representation and protection of their rights. The social contract between citizens and government was broken, leading to widespread protests and regime change. Understanding Social Contract Theory helps us analyze these events and explain why they occurred.

2. Essential Thinkers, Concepts & Models

• Thomas Hobbes: Argued that humans are inherently selfish and violent, and that a strong central authority is necessary to maintain order in a state of nature. His ideas underpin modern concepts of absolutism and the role of the state in maintaining law and order.
• John Locke: Proposed that humans are born with natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. His ideas are reflected in the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Argued that the general will of the people should guide government decision-making, and that direct democracy is the most legitimate form of government. His ideas influenced the French Revolution and modern concepts of participatory democracy.
• Social Contract: The idea that individuals voluntarily surrender some of their natural rights to a governing authority in exchange for protection and stability.
• State of Nature: A hypothetical condition in which humans exist without government or social structures, characterized by a "war of all against all."
• Absolutism: A system of government in which the ruler has absolute power and authority.
• Limited Government: A system of government in which power is divided among separate branches and institutions, and individual rights are protected.
• General Will: The collective will of the people, which should guide government decision-making.
• Direct Democracy: A system of government in which citizens participate directly in decision-making, often through referendums and town hall meetings.

3. Step-by-Step ‘Political Analysis’

1. Identify the Social Contract: Determine whether a government is based on a social contract, and if so, what rights and responsibilities are involved.
2. Analyze the State of Nature: Consider the hypothetical condition in which humans exist without government or social structures, and how it relates to the social contract.
3. Examine the Role of the State: Determine the role of the state in maintaining law and order, and how it relates to the social contract.
4. Evaluate the Distribution of Power: Assess whether power is concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or institutions, or whether it is distributed among separate branches and institutions.
5. Consider the Protection of Individual Rights: Determine whether individual rights are protected, and if so, how they are protected.

4. Common Student Mistakes

• Misconception: Hobbes believed that humans are inherently good and that government is unnecessary.
• The right view: Hobbes actually argued that humans are inherently selfish and violent, and that a strong central authority is necessary to maintain order in a state of nature.
• Misconception: Locke believed that governments derive their power from the divine right of kings.
• The right view: Locke actually argued that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed, and that individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property.
• Misconception: Rousseau believed that the general will is always in the best interest of the people.
• The right view: Rousseau actually argued that the general will can be in conflict with individual interests, and that citizens must be willing to sacrifice their own interests for the common good.

5. Exam/Essay Tips

• Multiple Choice Questions: Be careful to distinguish between absolutism and limited government, and between direct democracy and representative democracy.
• Free Response Questions: Use specific examples from history and current events to illustrate the concepts of social contract theory.
• Trap Distinctions: Be aware of the distinction between pluralism and elitism, and between dual federalism and cooperative federalism.
• Integrating the Topic into an Argumentative Essay: Use social contract theory to analyze the legitimacy of a government or the role of the state in maintaining law and order.

6. Quick Practice Scenario

A president deploys troops without Congressional approval – which constitutional principle is at stake?

Answer: The principle of separation of powers is at stake, as the president is overstepping his authority and violating the checks and balances of the Constitution.

7. Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Hobbes: Argued that humans are inherently selfish and violent, and that a strong central authority is necessary to maintain order in a state of nature.
• Locke: Proposed that humans are born with natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed.
• Rousseau: Argued that the general will of the people should guide government decision-making, and that direct democracy is the most legitimate form of government.
• Social Contract: The idea that individuals voluntarily surrender some of their natural rights to a governing authority in exchange for protection and stability.
• State of Nature: A hypothetical condition in which humans exist without government or social structures, characterized by a "war of all against all."
• Absolutism: A system of government in which the ruler has absolute power and authority.
• Limited Government: A system of government in which power is divided among separate branches and institutions, and individual rights are protected.
• General Will: The collective will of the people, which should guide government decision-making.
• Direct Democracy: A system of government in which citizens participate directly in decision-making, often through referendums and town hall meetings.
• ⚠️ Separation of Powers: The principle that power is divided among separate branches of government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
• ⚠️ Checks and Balances: The system of government in which each branch of government has some power to limit the actions of the other branches.

8. Further Study Resources

• Textbook: American Government: Stories of a Nation by David McKay and David R. Meyer
• Khan Academy Unit: Social Contract Theory and the State of Nature
• YouTube Channel: Crash Course Government