The Social Contract
An 8th-grade worksheet exploring the foundational ideas of the social contract theory, including contributions from Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau.
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The Social Contract Theory
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your knowledge. This worksheet explores the concept of the Social Contract and the ideas of key philosophers.
1. The idea that people give up some individual freedoms in exchange for protection and order is known as the .
2. Thomas Hobbes believed that life without government would be "solitary, poor, nasty, , and short."
3. John Locke argued that people have natural rights to life, liberty, and .
4. Jean-Jacques Rousseau emphasized the concept of the " will," representing the common good of the community.
1. Which philosopher is most closely associated with the idea that individuals enter into a social contract to escape a state of nature that is inherently violent and chaotic?
John Locke
Thomas Hobbes
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Baron de Montesquieu
2. According to John Locke, what is the primary purpose of government?
To enforce strict religious laws
To protect natural rights
To establish a monarchy
To wage war against other nations
1. Thomas Hobbes believed that people are naturally good and capable of self-governance.
True
False
1. Briefly explain Jean-Jacques Rousseau's concept of the "general will" and how it relates to the social contract.
1. Compare and contrast the views of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke on the state of nature and the role of government in society. How do their differing views lead to different conclusions about the ideal form of government?
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