The Declaration of Independence says "all men are created equal" is a "self-evident" truth, suggesting that human
equality is obvious to any unbiased person. Why does
Lincoln at Gettysburg call human equality a "proposition,"
meaning something that needs to be proven? (Hint: What
does the Civil War suggest about American convictions
regarding human equality??

John locke viewed the social contract as a choice or "consent of the governed", where the people possess the power to change government. how did thomas hobbes see the social contract? man is born in chains, but can be set free through good deeds. man is born happy, but becomes more miserable as he ages. man is born poor, but can rely on other individuals for security. man is born selfish, but can give up some freedom in return for security provided by the government.