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# Natural Rights Philosophy ## Thomas Hobbes vs. John Locke **Thomas Hobbes:** * Believed rulers received their power from God ("Divine rights of kings"). * Believed people were naturally "fearful and predatory" in a state of nature. * Described life in the state of nature as "solitary, poor, nas...

# Natural Rights Philosophy ## Thomas Hobbes vs. John Locke **Thomas Hobbes:** * Believed rulers received their power from God ("Divine rights of kings"). * Believed people were naturally "fearful and predatory" in a state of nature. * Described life in the state of nature as "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short." **Social Contract:** * Government and people enter into the social contract out of necessity (for survival). * Rulers/government are put in power by God to protect the people. * The people consent to the rulers/government for protection. **John Locke:** * Everyone is born equal. No "divine right of kings." * All people are born naturally good. **Social Contract:** * Government and people enter into the social contract for mutual benefits. * Government gets power and protects the people. * People get protection of their natural rights and obey government laws. # Declaration of Independence **What was happening in the 13 colonies in July 1776?** The 13 colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain. **Declaration of Independence:** We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown. **Main Idea:** The 13 colonies are free and independent states.