1. Philosophers that Influenced American Government
Locke
Blackstone
Philosophers that Influenced American Government
Hobbes
De Montesquieu
Rousseau

2. Basic Ideals and Principles of Democracy
Popular Consent/Sovereignty
govt. gets its power from the people they govern
Respect for Individual
Equality of Opportunity
“All men are created equal”
Personal Liberty
“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”
Rule of Law
Laws that safeguard liberty

3. Locke’s Contract Theory
According to Locke:
All people have “right to life, liberty, and property.”
Govt. arises from the contract between the ruler and ruled.
The people give the ruler the power to rule.
Ruler cannot deny people their basic rights.

4. Rousseau Expands the Contract Theory
In Rousseau’s ideal society:
People would form a community and make a contract with each other, not a ruler.
People would give up their needs for the greater majority.
Community would vote on all decisions, and everyone would live by the decisions made by the majority.

5. Montesquieu Suggests Limited Govt.
Montesquieu believed that:
The best way to way to ensure that the govt. protects citizen’s rights is to limit its powers.
Best way to limit power is to divide the powers.
Checks and Balances
Different Branches

6. Hobbes-People Cant Be Trusted
Monarchy is the best
Humans and Nations are selfish. Both are constantly battling for power and wealth.
Govt. created to protect people from their own selfishness.
Authority figure provides direction and leadership.

7. Blackstone- Common Law
He had a great interest in Common Law
Absolute laws that are designed to protect people’s freedom.

8. Writing for Understanding
You have the opportunity to bring one of the Enlightened Thinkers back from the dead to discuss his view on government. Respond to the following prompts:
Who would you invite?
Three questions you would ask him regarding his political philosophy.
His response to one of your questions.
Explain your understanding of the impact of his enlightened political thinking on life in the United States today.