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Popular Sovereignty in Early Modern Constitutional Thought: A Deep Dive

Ian Mitchell

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Published in Popular Sovereignty In Early Modern Constitutional Thought (Oxford Constitutional Theory)

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In the annals of political philosophy, the concept of popular sovereignty has been a cornerstone of democratic thought. It embodies the principle that the ultimate source of political authority resides in the people, who possess the inherent right to govern themselves.

During the early modern era, coinciding with the Renaissance and Reformation, this concept gained significant traction. This article delves into the evolution of popular sovereignty within early modern constitutional thought, examining the ideas of influential philosophers like John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Popular Sovereignty in Early Modern Constitutional Thought (Oxford Constitutional Theory)

by Daniel Lee

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John Locke and the Social Contract

John Locke, an influential English philosopher, played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse on popular sovereignty. In his seminal work, "Two Treatises of Government," Locke argued that political authority originates from the consent of the governed.

Locke envisioned a hypothetical "state of nature" where individuals existed in a state of freedom and equality. However, to safeguard their natural rights (life, liberty, and property),they entered into a social contract, creating a government that derived its legitimacy from the people's consent.

Locke's social contract theory emphasized the importance of limited government and the right of the people to revolt against a government that violated their natural rights.

Thomas Hobbes and the Leviathan

In contrast to Locke's optimistic view of human nature, Thomas Hobbes, another English philosopher, held a more pessimistic perspective. In his treatise, "Leviathan," Hobbes argued that humans are inherently selfish and prone to conflict.

Hobbes believed that to avoid chaos and disorder, individuals must surrender their natural rights to a sovereign, absolute ruler. By granting the sovereign unlimited power, the people could achieve peace and security, even at the expense of their own liberty.

Thomas Hobbes's Leviathan Popular Sovereignty In Early Modern Constitutional Thought (Oxford Constitutional Theory)

Hobbes's theory, though antithetical to Locke's, also recognized the ultimate power of the people. He argued that if the sovereign failed to protect the people's safety, they had the right to dissolve the social contract and form a new government.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the General Will

In the 18th century, French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau proposed a more radical concept of popular sovereignty. In his work, "The Social Contract," Rousseau argued that the people's will is the sole legitimate source of political authority.

Rousseau believed that the "general will," an expression of the people's collective desires, was always right and infallible. This general will could not be coerced or manipulated and was the foundation of a truly democratic society.

Jean Jacques Rousseau's General Will Popular Sovereignty In Early Modern Constitutional Thought (Oxford Constitutional Theory)

Rousseau's ideas had a profound impact on the French Revolution and subsequent democratic movements.

The concept of popular sovereignty underwent a significant evolution during the early modern era. From Locke's social contract theory to Hobbes's Leviathan and Rousseau's general will, philosophers wrestled with the nature and implications of popular authority.

These ideas continue to shape contemporary discussions on democracy and the role of the people in governance. The principle of popular sovereignty remains a fundamental pillar of democratic societies, ensuring that political power ultimately rests in the hands of the citizens.

by Daniel Lee

4.8 out of 5