Absolutism and Limited Government
Thomas Hobbes and John Locke set up the basis for the two major forms of government in the 17th century. Hobbes believed that the only successful government would be an absolute monarchy. Locke believed in a limited monarchy form of government. Both of these systems were practiced over many years preceding their writings. The purpose of their writings was to explain why those forms of government are legitimate. Both theories begin with the same basic assumptions, however their conclusions differ greatly. Their opinions were heavily influenced by the general felling of people towards the government of that time. The foundation of both of these theories is identical. Man without government will never prosper. They differ in that Hobbes seems to have believed that man by nature is constantly in a state of war. He believed that men need government in order to feel safe. He explains that without government there is no justice and injustice. Locke has a less severe opinion on human nature. He believed that man needs government in order to accumulate wealth. Fundamentally both of these theories claim that man needs to be governed. They then continue by explaining that government is
This would simply put them at war with each other. Locke was on the side of the parliament. William and Mary accept the crown and accept the limited monarchy. is to confer all their power and strength upon one man, or upon one assembly of men that may reduce all their wills, by plurality of voices, unto one will. Locke believed that the formation of a limited monarchy form of government is the only way that man can insure his safety. An absolute monarchy has no protection for its citizens. Man agrees with man through covenants and they need a common power. Oliver Cromwell was the leader in England until his death. Hobbes' solution to this problem is that the sovereign would understand that acting morally would be better for everyone. " Locke believed that if there were one sovereign, he would take advantage of all the men he ruled over. To achieve this, a complex system of checks and balances must be erected. After this, England looks for a leader that will accept the crown along with the new Bill of Rights, which greatly limits the power of the king.
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