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Worksheet comparing Hobbes and Locke's political theories on government origins.

A worksheet titled "Why Government?" comparing the ideas of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke on the state of nature, social contract, and government, with spaces for students to sketch and write.

A worksheet titled "Why Government?" comparing the ideas of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke on the state of nature, social contract, and government, with spaces for students to sketch and write.

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Show Answer Key & Explanations Step-by-step solution for: Why Government? | Hobbes and Locke Lesson Plan | iCivics
The task involves creating cartoons to illustrate the "Big Ideas" of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke regarding the concepts of the State of Nature, Social Contract, and Government. Below is a detailed explanation of each concept, along with suggestions for how to visually represent them in cartoon form.

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1. State of Nature


#### Thomas Hobbes' View:
- Concept: In the State of Nature, according to Hobbes, life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. People are constantly at war with one another because everyone is competing for resources, power, and survival.
- Key Points:
- No government or laws.
- Everyone acts in their self-interest.
- Life is chaotic and dangerous.
- People are equal in terms of power but lack trust in one another.

#### John Locke's View:
- Concept: In contrast, Locke believed that the State of Nature was peaceful and rational. People were generally good and had natural rights (life, liberty, and property) that they wanted to protect.
- Key Points:
- People are free and equal.
- There is no government, but individuals respect each other's rights.
- People cooperate and live harmoniously.

#### Cartoon Suggestions:
- Hobbes' State of Nature:
- Draw a chaotic scene with people fighting over resources (e.g., food, water, land).
- Show individuals armed with weapons, struggling against each other.
- Use dark colors and aggressive postures to convey fear and danger.
- Label it as "Life is 'nasty, brutish, and short.'"

- Locke's State of Nature:
- Draw a peaceful scene with people working together, sharing resources, and respecting each other's boundaries.
- Show individuals engaging in trade or cooperation, with smiles on their faces.
- Use bright colors and friendly interactions to convey harmony.
- Label it as "People are free and equal, living peacefully."

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2. Social Contract


#### Thomas Hobbes' View:
- Concept: To escape the chaos of the State of Nature, Hobbes argued that people would agree to give up some of their freedoms and submit to an absolute ruler (a sovereign). This ruler would enforce order and prevent conflict.
- Key Points:
- The social contract is a deal where people surrender their rights to a powerful authority.
- The ruler has almost unlimited power to maintain order.
- Once the contract is made, people must obey the ruler without question.

#### John Locke's View:
- Concept: Locke believed that the social contract was formed when people agreed to create a government that would protect their natural rights (life, liberty, and property). If the government fails to do so, the people have the right to overthrow it.
- Key Points:
- The social contract is a voluntary agreement between citizens and the government.
- The government derives its power from the consent of the governed.
- The government exists to serve the people and protect their rights.

#### Cartoon Suggestions:
- Hobbes' Social Contract:
- Draw a scene where people are gathered around a powerful ruler who is holding a scepter or crown.
- Show people bowing or submitting to the ruler's authority.
- Illustrate the ruler imposing strict laws or punishments to maintain order.
- Label it as "Absolute power to ensure peace."

- Locke's Social Contract:
- Draw a scene where people are gathered around a group of representatives or leaders who are discussing laws.
- Show the representatives listening to the people's concerns and making decisions based on their consent.
- Illustrate the government as a servant of the people, not a master.
- Label it as "Government by consent to protect rights."

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3. Government


#### Thomas Hobbes' View:
- Concept: Hobbes advocated for an absolute monarchy or a strong central authority. He believed that only a powerful ruler could prevent the chaos of the State of Nature.
- Key Points:
- The government is authoritarian.
- The ruler has total control over the people.
- The people have very few rights and must obey unconditionally.

#### John Locke's View:
- Concept: Locke supported a limited government with checks and balances. He believed that the government should be accountable to the people and protect their natural rights.
- Key Points:
- The government is representative and democratic.
- Power is divided among different branches to prevent abuse.
- The people retain the right to overthrow a tyrannical government.

#### Cartoon Suggestions:
- Hobbes' Government:
- Draw a scene where a king or dictator is sitting on a throne, surrounded by guards and issuing commands.
- Show the people below the ruler looking subservient or fearful.
- Illustrate the ruler's absolute power over every aspect of life.
- Label it as "Absolute authority ensures stability."

- Locke's Government:
- Draw a scene where elected representatives are meeting in a parliament or assembly.
- Show the representatives debating laws and considering the needs of the people.
- Illustrate the separation of powers (e.g., legislative, executive, judicial branches).
- Label it as "Limited government protects rights and serves the people."

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Final Notes


- Use clear visuals and labels to distinguish between Hobbes' and Locke's views.
- Ensure that the cartoons are simple yet effective in conveying the key ideas.
- You can use contrasting colors or symbols (e.g., chains for Hobbes, freedom for Locke) to highlight the differences.

By following these guidelines, you can create engaging and informative cartoons that explain the "Big Ideas" of Hobbes and Locke.

Final Answer:
$$
\boxed{\text{Create cartoons illustrating the State of Nature, Social Contract, and Government based on Hobbes' and Locke's views as explained above.}}
$$
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of civics and government worksheet.
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