John Locke - Father of Liberalism

John Locke and Thomas Hobbles indeed had different views of the world and government. John Locke, for example, is the "Father of Liberalism." Thomas Hobbles believed in greater government control and regulation. I believe, although both viewpoints apply in today's political affairs, John Locke is the one I would be more inclined to agree with in terms of policy and the current political system.

As stated earlier, John Locke was the father of classical liberalism. This is a philosophy that agrees with the concept of a small government, liberty of individuals, freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and free markets. This is what we call in the modern world, "Grass Root Politics" because it is what the Founding Fathers based their constitution by. The political party that currently favors this policy is a subset of the Republican Party called the Tea Party Movement. Locke was viewed as one of the greatest thinkers since he believed in capitalism. He believed in a supply and demand and actively opposed the teachings of Karl Marx. Excuse the language, but Locke was every capitalist's wet dream, and every communist's nightmare.

Locke believed that all people were equal and independent. Everyone had the right to defend his or her, "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" (American Declaration of Independence). He thought government should be present but not interfere with everyday life. Locke advocated for a governmental separation of power and that sometimes, revolution is an obligation by the people to reform the government. The Founding Fathers understood this and thus, allowed the United States Constitution to be a "living, breathing thing" that can be changed and molded to the whim of the people.