Relation+to+Constitution




 * Thomas Hobbes believes everyone is entitled to life and states that "...each man hath to use his own power as he will himself or the preservation of his own nature; that is to say, of his own life..." (Leviathan). This inalienable right is secured in the Constitution, where it is written that to "secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity" is the purpose of the Constitution in the Preamble (U.S. Constitution). The constitution also expands on this idea: guarantees everyone the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which are more natural rights that add to the security and safety of the individual (Amendment XIV). In addition, nobody may be deprived of life or property without due process of law (Amendment V).


 * Thomas Hobbes believes that the encroachment of certain rights and liberties by a higher authority are justifiable in order to maintain peace, but includes that severe cases of abuse by authority give the people the right to rebellion. This belief has a direct correlation to impeachment in Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution where it states "The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors" (U.S. Constitution).