Lesson 2: Why do we need government?
natural rights A doctrine that human beings have basic rights, such as those to life, liberty, and property in a state of nature and that people create governments to protect those rights.
social contract An agreement among the people to set up a government and obey its laws. The theory was developed by the natural rights philosopher John Locke to explain the origin of legitimate government.
state of nature The basis of natural rights philosophy; a state of nature is the condition of people living in a situation without man- made government, rules, or laws.
