One of the opponents of liberal thinking, the philosopher Thomas Hobbes, contributed significantly to liberal theory, although he favored strong and even unrestrained government. ... An influential early liberal was the English philosopher John Locke. ... According to the thought of Locke and his many followers, the state exists not to promote people's spiritual salvation, but to serve its citizens and to guarantee their life, liberty, and property under a constitution. ... Thomas Jefferson also echoed Locke in the Declaration of Independence and in later pronouncements defending revolut...

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