Thomas Hobbes: Favored an absolute monarchy and held a pessimistic view on human nature.
John Locke: Favored a limited government and held a positive view on human nature.
John Locke (1632-1704) believed that human nature is characterized for their ability to reason and be tolerant, but they also tended to be selfish. He also claimed that men are naturally free and equal, but with the purpose to interact in a healthy society, it was necessary that they transferred some of their rights to a government. Such government had to be elected by the people and changed by the people whenever they decided to, it had to be divided into legislative and executive powers and had to ensure people's stability, conflicts resolutions, and people's right to life, freedom, and property.
In contrast, Thomas Hobbes (1588 - 1679) claimed that humans were violent, selfish, brutish, aggressive competitors, and they were always in the constant pursuit of power and glory. Therefore a "social contract" was necessary. Through the contract, all individuals in society would cede their natural rights (even meaning that they had to accept abuses of power) to an absolute government, in order to establish a civil society, receive protection, avoid conflicts, maintain peace and live better.