Question

What is John Locke's  "Social Contract Theory?"  How did the Founders rely on this theory to support their writing of the Declaration of Independence?  Were the Founders bound by the sentiments, beliefs, and mores of that century to write the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, yet practice slavery and annihilation of the Native Americans?

Answer 1

According to John locke in his social contract theory man live by state of nature. This state of nature is a state of peace, goodwill, mutual aid and protection. In this natural state, people have all the rights that nature can give them. Locke states that the natural state of humanity is the perfect and ideal condition for living your life as it sees it. He is free from the interference of others. In this natural state, everyone is the same and independent. However, this does not mean that it is licensed. Someone can not do anything unpleasant or anything that interests the judge. There are no governments or governments punishing citizens for violating the laws of nature, but there is no nation without morality. Its natural state is pre-political, but it is not unprecedented. So state of nature is state of liberty. Man in the state of nature need to protect its property for which they enter into "social contract". They surrender their right to preserve order and enforce the law of Nature. According to locke purpose of government is to uphold and protect the natural rights of men.

John Locke believed that the government should follow the will of many who created it, or the sovereignty of the people. He believes that all citizens are the same as the government. Locke has developed a branch management system that currently consists of well-known legislative, administrative and judicial bodies. If the government defaults, citizens have the right to rebel and withdraw consent. This concept inspired the invaders, and there is a good reason to fight the British for independence. Locke stated all men has rights to pursue life, liberty and pursue of property. Thomas Jefferson altered this statement and stated in declaration of independence that all men have right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Locke's work inspired declaration of independence and also US Constitution.

Thomas Jefferson showed the classic controversy in the revolutionary period. He was the main author of the Declaration, but he also owned slaves and his colleagues. They do not consider full equality a positive social goal. But Jefferson criticized slavery more directly than most of his colleagues. Jefferson knew that slavery was wrong, and thought he was wrong in using the agency, but he could not clearly see how to give up his life. He believes that the next generation of young people can abolish slavery. They have the right to lead the American revolution to an idealistic conclusion. So yes we can say that founders are bound by their beliefs and sentiments that despite stating against slavery they on their own cannot practice against it they think it to be the duty of future generations.