Did you know that Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian philosopher and writer, is often considered the father of modern political science? His famous work, The Prince, is still studied by political scholars today for its insights on political leadership and power dynamics. Another important figure in political science is Thomas Hobbes, an English philosopher known for his work Leviathan. Hobbes believed in a strong central government to maintain order and prevent chaos, a concept that continues to shape political thought. John Locke, an English philosopher, is famous for his ideas on natural rights and the social contract theory. His works, including Two Treatises of Government, have been influential in shaping democratic principles around the world. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a French philosopher, introduced the concept of popular sovereignty and the general will in his work The Social Contract. These ideas have had a major impact on modern political theory and the development of democratic systems. Lastly, Karl Marx, a German philosopher and economist, laid the foundation for the study of political economy with his work The Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital. Marx's theories on socialism and capitalism continue to influence political discussions today.