John Locke and Thomas Hobbes both believe that men are equal in the state of nature, but their individual views on equality lead them to propose fundamentally different methods of good civil governance. Locke argues that the correct form of civil government should be concerned with the common good of the people and defend the rights of citizens to life, health, liberty, and personal property. Hobbes argues that the proper form of civil government must have a supreme ruler governing the people in order to avoid a state of war. I agree with Locke's argument because it is necessary for a civil government to properly care for its citizens, which in turn prevents a state of war from arising in society. Locke also has a better argument than Hobbes, because Hobbes' belief that it is necessary to have a supreme ruler to prevent a state of war in society is inherently flawed. Indeed, this would in itself create a state of war. Locke states that the correct form of civil government should be committed to the common good of the people and upholding the rights of its citizens to life, health, liberty and liberty. personal property. It expects the legislative branch of a civil government to create laws that benefit the well-being of its citizens, and the executive branch to enforce the laws as part of a social contract with the citizens. “The first and fundamental positive law of all republics is the establishment of legislative power; for the first and fundamental law of nature, which must govern even legislation itself, is the preservation of society and (so far as it involves the public good) of each person composing it. » 1 Locke believes that humans inherently possess a complete and i...... middle of paper ...... state of war does not occur in society. Locke also has a better argument than Hobbes, because Hobbes' belief that it is necessary to have a supreme ruler to prevent a state of war in society is inherently flawed. Indeed, this would in itself create a state of war. John Locke, Second Treatise of Government (Indianapolis, Indiana: Hackett Pub Co, 1980), 69.2. John Locke, Second Treatise of Government (Indianapolis, Indiana: Hackett Pub Co, 1980), 8.3. Louis P. Pojman and Robert Westmoreland, eds., Equality: Selected Readings (New York: Oxford University Press, USA, 1997), 33.4. Louis P. Pojman and Robert Westmoreland, eds., Equality: Selected Readings (New York: Oxford University Press, USA, 1997), 30.5. John Locke, Second Treatise of Government (Indianapolis, Indiana: Hackett Pub Co.), 1980), 15.