iCivics
I Civics: Rousseau Mini Lesson
Explore the ideas of Enlightenment thinker, Jean-Jacques Rousseau. His writings on natural and social freedom, the social contract, and democracy shaped the American system of government in a variety of ways.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Justification for the State
From Wikipedia, this article outlines the purpose of government and explains how disagreement over purpose can splinter into various movements such as socialism, fascism, and communism. Includes links to further explanations of different...
iCivics
I Civics: Why Government?
Dig into philosophers Thomas Hobbes and John Locke's ideas and see how they've influenced those that have followed in their footsteps.
iCivics
I Civics: Thomas Hobbes Mini Lesson
Thomas Hobbes was one of the first of his era to discuss the idea of the social contract. Explore his views on government and his famous book, Leviathan.
Digital History
Digital History: The Age of Constitution Writing [Pdf]
See how colonial and state constitutions differed and how the idea of a social contract between a government and its citizens is reflected in the state constitutions. The second half of this site gives an abbreviated text of the Articles...
PBS
Pbs: Rediscovering George Washington
Discussion lesson plan that introduces and examines the concept of government by consent of the governed. Includes a reading for class distribution and references to primary source documents.
Digital History
Digital History: By What Right [Pdf]
Two opposing philosophies concerning the relationship between government and its citizens were expressed by Thomas Hobbes and John Locke in the 17th century. Compare these two philosophies and see how they were related to the colonists'...
iCivics
I Civics: The Enlightenment Mini Lesson
The Enlightenment was a period of time, starting around 1715, when people developed new ideas about human existence, including people's basic rights and the purpose of government. When our Founding Fathers created a government for the...
Oregon State University
Thomas Hobbes
This site provides a short biography, and some links to relevant sites.
CPALMS
Florida State University Cpalms: Florida Students: Enlightenment Ideas and the Founding Fathers
A tutorial that looks at the ideas from the Enlightenment that influenced the Founding Fathers, particularly those of John Locke and Montesquieu. A PDF file of the tutorial is available.
Other
Pre History of Cognitive Science: Thomas Hobbes
This article analyzes the philosophy contained in such works as "Leviathan." A good starting point for research on Hobbesian philosophy.
Rice University
Galileo Project: Thomas Hobbes
This site from The Galileo Project of Rice University presents Hobbes' life in an outline, giving easy access to the critical information. This is a great site to check out for information on the subject.
Oregon State University
Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes'
This site provides an e-text of the Leviathan, written by Thomas Hobbes.
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Thomas Hobbes: Methodology
This site, which is provided for by the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, gives a detailed biography of the life of Thomas Hobbes, including a discussion of his philosophy.