What document did Hobbes write that outlined his ideas on government?

Hobbes wrote "The Leviathan" to articulate his views on the nature of human beings and the necessity of a strong centralized government, particularly during times of chaos and disorder. In this work, published in 1651, Hobbes presents the idea of a social contract, wherein individuals collectively agree to surrender certain freedoms to a sovereign authority. This authority, whether a monarch or another form of government, must maintain peace and security, which Hobbes deemed paramount for human survival and societal order. The title "Leviathan" itself symbolizes this powerful entity that individuals create to escape the fears associated with a state of nature, which Hobbes believed to be brutish and violent.

Other works mentioned in the choices represent different thinkers and ideas: "The Spirit of the Laws," for example, is associated with Montesquieu, who advocated for separation of powers; while "The Two Treatises of Government," written by John Locke, argues for natural rights and limited government, a concept significantly different from Hobbes' vision of absolute power. "The Social Contract," written by Rousseau, focuses more on the collective will and general will of the people, diverging from Hobbes’ more pessimistic view of humanity that leads to his advocacy for absolute