Political philosophy examines fundamental questions about government, justice, rights, and the organization of society. It focuses on exploring how societies ought to be organized and the role of government in protecting individual freedoms.

John Locke is widely recognized for his contributions to social contract theory. His ideas on natural rights and government's responsibility to protect them laid the foundation for modern democratic thought.

Niccolò Machiavelli wrote 'The Prince', which is a seminal work in political realism. The book examines how power can be acquired and maintained, often challenging traditional moral views on leadership.

Liberalism emphasizes individual rights, personal freedom, and equality before the law. It advocates for limited government interference in both personal and economic life, promoting democratic ideals.

A cornerstone of democracy is that power ultimately rests with the people, who elect their representatives. Free and fair elections are essential for ensuring that government authority derives from the consent of the governed.

John Locke argued that individuals possess inherent natural rights, which include life, liberty, and property. These rights are the basis for his argument for a government limited by the consent of the governed.

Social contract theory posits that individuals agree, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a government that ensures security and order. In return, they cede certain freedoms, thus legitimizing the authority of the state.

Thomas Hobbes famously depicted the state of nature as a state of perpetual war, where life would be 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short' without a powerful government to impose order. This perspective argues for the necessity of a strong centralized authority.

Rousseau's 'general will' refers to the collective interests that represent the common good of the community. It is a guiding principle in his political thought, suggesting that true sovereignty lies with the people as a whole.

Montesquieu argued that dividing government power among different branches would help prevent any one branch from gaining too much control. His ideas greatly influenced the development of modern democratic systems and constitutional government.

Marxist theory centers on the idea that economic structures and class struggles are the driving forces in society. It examines how conflicts between classes shape political power and social institutions.

A key characteristic of democracy, whether in its classical or modern form, is the participation of the people in governance. This active civic engagement is essential for ensuring that political authority rests with the public.

Utilitarianism is based on the idea that the right action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility. This consequentialist view evaluates policies and decisions by their outcomes in terms of well-being.

Sovereignty is the principle that a state has ultimate authority over its territory and the people within it. It is a fundamental concept in political theory that underlies the legitimacy of governments.

Republicanism advocates for a system where, besides majority rule, there is an emphasis on civic virtue, the common good, and institutional checks to prevent tyranny. It seeks to balance popular participation with safeguards that protect minority interests.

Machiavellian realism holds that rulers must sometimes act against traditional moral norms to secure their power and ensure state stability. This approach challenges the notion that ethical behavior should always guide political decisions.

Critics argue that an overemphasis on individual liberty may erode the bonds that hold society together, potentially leading to fragmented communities. Balancing personal freedom with communal responsibilities is seen as essential for maintaining social order.

A major critique of utilitarianism is that by focusing solely on the greatest good for the majority, it can overlook or even sacrifice the rights of minority groups. This potential to justify morally questionable actions makes utilitarian approaches contentious in political debates.

In times of crisis, many political philosophers argue that increased authority can be justified through the social contract. This view holds that citizens consent to certain limitations on their freedoms in exchange for protection and stability during emergencies.

Debates over distributive justice expose fundamental ideological differences regarding how resources and opportunities should be allocated. While some philosophies stress equality and the need to level societal differences, others emphasize merit and individual responsibility in the distribution process.