Thomas Hobbes’ political philosophy, particularly as articulated in "Leviathan," informs modern government structures by emphasizing the necessity of a strong, centralized authority to maintain social order. Hobbes argued that in a state of nature, humans are driven by self-interest, which leads to chaos and conflict. His concept of the social contract posits that individuals must surrender certain freedoms to a sovereign power for the sake of peace and security. This idea has profoundly influenced contemporary thoughts on governance, law, and political legitimacy, framing the relationship between citizens and the state in democratic societies.