1. The Enlightenment & the American Revolution

2. The Declaration of Independence
Written in July 1776
2nd Continental Congress
Declared Colonial Independence from Great Britain
Authored by Thomas Jefferson, who firmly believed in Enlightenment ideas, especially those of John Locke.

3. The Declaration of Independence and the Enlightenment
Locke- Natural Rights: All people are entitled to “Life, Liberty, and Property.”
Jefferson— “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…”

4. The Declaration of Independence and the Enlightenment
Locke—The purpose of Government is to protect people’s natural rights. If a government fails to do so, the people have the right to alter or abolish the government.
Jefferson—Listed many abuses by King George III, that impelled them to separate from Britain.

5. The Constitution
The Constitution set up the American government and includes many ideas from
the enlightenment.
Enlightenment Idea
U.S. Constitution
Locke
A government’s power comes from the consent of the people (popular sovereignty)
“We the People of the United States…”
Creates a representative government
Limits governmental power
Montesquieu
Separation of Powers
Federal system of government
Power is split between three branches of government
System of Checks and Balances
Rousseau
Social Contract
The people elect the president and Congress
Voltaire
Freedom of Speech, Religious Toleration
Bill of Rights protects freedom of speech and religion