... than its basis in religion or tradition. Hobbes's pragmatic view of government, which stressed the equality of individuals, opened the way to free criticism of government and the right to revolution, ideas that Hobbes himself opposed. An influential early liberal was the English philosopher John Locke. In his political writings, which deeply influenced the framers of the U.S. Constitution, he argued for ... people's spiritual salvation, but to serve its citizens and to guarantee their life, liberty, and property under a constitution. Much of Locke's philosophy is reflected in the writin...

• Word Count: 788
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Graduate