What did Hobbes and Locke believe the primary object of government was? (1 point)
• to build a powerful nation
O to build a society according to God's laws
• to create a just society
O to allow people to live their lives in peace and security
• to allow people to live their lives in peace and security
Hobbes and Locke had different beliefs regarding the primary object of government.
Thomas Hobbes believed that the primary object of government was to allow people to live their lives in peace and security. In his work, "Leviathan," Hobbes argued that without a strong central authority, life would be "nasty, brutish, and short." He believed that a powerful government was necessary to prevent chaos and ensure the protection of individuals' lives and property.
On the other hand, John Locke believed that the primary object of government was to create a just society. In his work, "Two Treatises of Government," Locke argued that government's purpose was to protect people's natural rights, which included life, liberty, and property. He believed that if a government failed to protect these rights, the people had the right to overthrow it. Locke emphasized the importance of limited government and the consent of the governed.
Therefore, while both Hobbes and Locke identified the importance of peace, security, and individual rights, Hobbes focused more on the need for a powerful government, while Locke emphasized the creation of a just society.
To find the answer to this question, we need to understand the beliefs of Hobbes and Locke and their views on the primary object of government.
Starting with Thomas Hobbes, his view on the primary object of government was to allow people to live their lives in peace and security. According to Hobbes, human nature is inherently selfish and driven by the desire for self-preservation. He argued that in a state of nature, people's lives are characterized by constant fear, conflict, and risk of violence. Therefore, Hobbes believed that a strong central government, with a ruler possessing absolute power, is necessary to maintain order and prevent this state of war. The primary goal of government, according to Hobbes, is to provide security and protect individuals from harm.
On the other hand, John Locke had a different perspective on the primary object of government. Locke believed that the primary object of government is to create a just society. He argued that all individuals are born with natural rights, including life, liberty, and property. Locke believed that government should be formed with the consent of the governed to protect these natural rights. According to Locke, the role of government is to safeguard individual freedom and ensure the rule of law, allowing people to exercise their rights within the framework of a just society.
In summary, Hobbes believed that the primary object of government is to allow people to live their lives in peace and security, while Locke believed that it is to create a just society.