Why Government? | Hobbes and Locke Lesson Plan | iCivics - Free Printable

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 capable of living harmoniously without a strong central authority.
- Key Points:
- Individuals have natural rights (life, liberty, property).
- People cooperate and respect one another's rights.
- There is no need for a powerful ruler because people can govern themselves reasonably.

#### 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, farming, or building communities.
- Use bright colors and friendly interactions to convey harmony and cooperation.
- Label it as "People live peacefully and respect natural rights."

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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 sovereign (a strong ruler) who could maintain order and protect them.
- Key Points:
- The social contract involves surrendering individual freedoms to a powerful leader.
- The ruler has almost unlimited authority to enforce peace.
- People prioritize safety over freedom.

#### John Locke's View:
- Concept: Locke believed that the social contract was about forming a government that protects individuals' natural rights (life, liberty, property). The government derives its power from the consent of the governed and must act in their best interest.
- Key Points:
- The social contract is a voluntary agreement between citizens and the government.
- The government exists to serve the people, not to dominate them.
- If the government fails to protect rights, the people have the right to overthrow it.

#### Cartoon Suggestions:
- Hobbes' Social Contract:
- Draw a scene where people unanimously agree to appoint a powerful ruler.
- Show the ruler holding a large staff or crown, symbolizing absolute authority.
- Illustrate people handing over their weapons or rights to the ruler.
- Label it as "Surrender freedoms for safety."

- Locke's Social Contract:
- Draw a scene where people come together to establish a government based on mutual consent.
- Show representatives signing a document or shaking hands with the government.
- Illustrate the government as a servant of the people, not a master.
- Label it as "Government serves the people's rights."

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3. Government

#### Thomas Hobbes' View:
- Concept: Hobbes advocated for an authoritarian government led by a single ruler (a monarch or dictator) who has absolute power. This strong leader ensures order and prevents chaos.
- Key Points:
- The government is centralized and highly authoritative.
- Citizens have limited rights and freedoms.
- The ruler's decisions are final, and there is little room for dissent.

#### John Locke's View:
- Concept: Locke supported a representative government where power is divided among branches (e.g., legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent any one group from becoming too powerful. The government exists to protect individual rights and can be changed if it fails to do so.
- Key Points:
- The government is accountable to the people.
- Power is distributed to prevent tyranny.
- Citizens have the right to revolution if the government violates their rights.

#### Cartoon Suggestions:
- Hobbes' Government:
- Draw a scene with a powerful ruler sitting on a throne, surrounded by guards.
- Show citizens bowing or obeying orders without question.
- Illustrate the ruler making unilateral decisions, with no input from the people.
- Label it as "Absolute authority ensures order."

- Locke's Government:
- Draw a scene with multiple branches of government (e.g., a parliament, court, and executive) working together.
- Show representatives elected by the people and debates taking place.
- Illustrate checks and balances between different branches.
- Label it as "Power is divided to protect rights."

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Final Cartoon Layout

Here’s how you can organize the cartoons:

1. Top Row (State of Nature):
- Left: Hobbes' chaotic State of Nature (dark, violent).
- Right: Locke's peaceful State of Nature (bright, cooperative).

2. Middle Row (Social Contract):
- Left: Hobbes' social contract (people giving power to a ruler).
- Right: Locke's social contract (people agreeing to a representative government).

3. Bottom Row (Government):
- Left: Hobbes' authoritarian government (strong ruler, limited citizen rights).
- Right: Locke's representative government (divided powers, accountability).

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Explanation of the Solution

This activity helps visualize the contrasting views of Hobbes and Locke on human nature, the purpose of government, and the role of the social contract. By illustrating these ideas through cartoons, students can better understand the philosophical foundations of political systems and why different forms of government exist.

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Final Answer

$$
\boxed{\text{Create cartoons for each concept based on the explanations above.}}
$$