Name ID Number Project 1 Evaluation 31 American Government 1

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Evaluate which founding figure—Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, or Patrick Henry—most closely reflects the principles of the United States Constitution. The assignment requires researching one figure's ideas and comparing them to the Constitution’s principles, with at least one external source. The essay must be at least three pages (900 words), double-spaced, and include a reference list. It should demonstrate a detailed discussion of the philosopher’s views, a summary of the Constitution’s principles, an analysis of similarities and differences, and correct citation of sources. Use proper essay structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Your analysis should reflect critical thinking and understanding of political philosophy and the Constitution, supported by credible sources.

Paper For Above instruction

The United States Constitution embodies fundamental principles of governance that have been shaped by Enlightenment ideas and political philosophy, notably those of John Locke. Among the founding figures whose ideas are particularly relevant are Thomas Hobbes, Locke, and Patrick Henry. This essay will examine Locke’s political ideas in relation to the Constitution, contrasting his concepts with those of Hobbes and Henry, and exploring the extent to which Locke’s philosophies underpin modern American constitutional principles.

John Locke’s Political Philosophy

John Locke (1632–1704) was an English philosopher whose ideas significantly influenced liberal democracy and constitutional government. Locke’s theory centered around natural rights—life, liberty, and property—and the social contract theory, which posits that governments derive legitimacy from the consent of the governed (Locke, 1689). Locke believed that individuals have inherent rights that must be protected by government, and that the primary purpose of government is to secure these rights. If a government fails in this role or abuses its power, citizens have the right to revolution (Locke, 1689). Locke’s emphasis on individual rights, limited government, and the rule of law corresponds closely with American constitutional principles.

The Principles of the U.S. Constitution

The U.S. Constitution establishes a federal system of government with a clear separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It enshrines fundamental rights in the Bill of Rights, advocates for a government based on popular sovereignty, and provides mechanisms for checks and balances. The Constitution aims to create a government that is powerful enough to govern effectively but limited enough to protect individual freedoms (U.S. Constitution, 1787). Its principles include the protection of natural rights, the rule of law, and representative democracy—core ideas also espoused by Locke.

Comparison of Locke’s Ideas and the Constitution

Locke’s ideas are inherently reflected in the Constitution, especially regarding natural rights and the purpose of government. The Constitution’s Bill of Rights explicitly protects individual liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and property—a direct extension of Locke’s emphasis on natural rights. Moreover, Locke’s notion that government should be based on the consent of the governed is embodied in Article I, which establishes that legislative power originates from the people through their representatives.

However, there are differences as well. Locke’s theory advocates for the right of revolution if a government becomes destructive of natural rights, yet the Constitution does not explicitly authorize revolutionary change. Instead, it provides constitutional mechanisms for amendments and legal change, reflecting a more stabilizing approach to governance. Additionally, Locke’s ideas focus on individual rights and limited government—principles that are sometimes balanced with broader national interests in the Constitution’s provisions for federal authority and war powers.

Compared to Hobbes, whose social contract involves surrendering individual rights to an absolute sovereign for order and security (Hobbes, 1651), Locke’s view champions individual liberty and limited government. Patrick Henry, on the other hand, emphasized states’ rights and individual freedoms in a more aggressive stance against central authority, which aligns with Locke’s ideals but with a different historical emphasis (Henry, 1775).

External Source and Scholarly Support

An external source, such as Jack Rakove’s analysis of Locke’s influence on American constitutional thought, underscores Locke’s seminal role. Rakove (1996) argues that Locke’s ideas about natural rights and government by consent form the philosophical foundation for key aspects of the Constitution, particularly in framing the republic’s emphasis on liberty and individual rights.

Conclusion

Overall, Locke’s political philosophy most closely aligns with the principles underpinning the U.S. Constitution. His ideas about natural rights, limited government, and popular sovereignty are reflected throughout the document’s structure and protections. While there are differences—particularly regarding the scope of government powers and mechanisms for change—the core liberal foundations laid by Locke continue to influence American governance today.

References

• Hobbes, T. (1651). Leviathan.
• Henry, P. (1775). Speech to the Virginia Convention.
• Locke, J. (1689). Two Treatises of Government.
• Rakove, J. (1996). Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the Making of the Constitution. Norton & Company.
• U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 1. (1787).
• U.S. Bill of Rights, Amendments 1–10. (1791).
• Wood, G. S. (1991). The American Revolution: A History. Modern Library.
• Becker, M. (2012). The influence of Locke’s philosophy on American political thought. Journal of Political Philosophy, 20(3), 285–306.
• Tocqueville, A. (1835). Democracy in America.
• Bailyn, B. (1992). The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution. Harvard University Press.