POLITICAL IDEAS THAT SHAPED THE

US GOVERNME

NT

DIVINE RIGHTS OF KINGS People had always been taught this principle

God has chosen certain people to rule over others, therefore, people should obey their rule without question since that leader is God’s “vessel”

LAWS OF NATURE AND NATURE’S GOD

Originated with William Blackstone who was an early English law expert

He came up with this concept.

Basically it says: There is a “divine law” that God has revealed that governs the created universe such as gravity, seasons, etc. He also states that God’s revealed laws also govern humans. Example: Thou shall not kill, etc.

SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY Thomas Hobbes

By contract people surrender to the state the power needed to maintain order and the state protects them

Remember that he did not believe that people could end the contract

JOHN LOCKE’S IDEAS

Rights that cannot be taken away

Life Liberty Property

People have the right to resist an unjust law

Governments are only legitimate if they have consent of people and protect basic rights

Unalienable RightsRights of Resistence of

Illegitimate Government