ABSTRACT
Hobbes’ ideas along with those of John Locke constitute the key features of classical liberal political theory. They may be summarised as follows. The individual is the basis of human society, and this is true in the state of nature and civil society. Entering civil society is a rational choice. It is an act of individuals freely willing and constructing this form of society. In this sense political communities are artificial associations. Political obligations arise as a consequence of the social contract that individuals voluntarily enter into. This contract obligates each individual to preserve the sovereign authority and abide by the law. In return, government ought to give a large degree of personal freedom. Government ought to be minimal. Civil authority must guarantee individuals freedom to form voluntary associations of their choosing (religious, economic or otherwise). The state provides and maintains a set of rules which enable subjects to pursue their own various ends.
