In A Classic Case: The Declaration of Independence,the text argues that Jefferson derived his four central truths of social contract from John Locke's famous book,Leviathan.

Social Contract

A theory in political philosophy suggesting that individuals have consented, either explicitly or tacitly, to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to an authority in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.

John Locke

A 17th-century English philosopher known for his work on political philosophy and theory of knowledge.

Leviathan

Often refers to a large, powerful sea creature in biblical literature, or metaphorically to something very large and powerful.