Enlightenment Study guide
What is the Enlightenment? New intellectual movement that stressed reason and thought and the power of individuals to solve problems.
How did Enlightenment philosophers impact the world? Argued for the greater social equality, as well as a more democratic style of government People began to openly question their religious beliefs Emphasized the importance of the individual in society Stressed government was formed by individuals to promote their welfare Challenge long-held ideas about the rights of society, individuals, & government
What is the significance of John Locke’s view of natural rights? Government exists to preserve life, liberty and property (Natural Rights) Monarchs not chosen by God Influenced the Declaration of Independence, The U.S. Constitution, and the French Revolution
What ideas were Montesquieu famous for? When the legislative and the executive are united in the same person, there is no liberty Government must have Separation of Powers 3 Branches of Government Believed in Checks and Balances
What ideas did Locke and Rousseau share? Both emphasized that it is the people who should govern themselves and not by the kings Both emphasized that the government must protect the will of the people
What ideas did Bolivar, Jefferson, and Madison share? Believed in limited government and separation of powers
Why was the American Revolution unique? American Revolution is the first revolution that says people have rights It was the first revolution claiming that men had Inalienable given rights
What are the three main principles of the Declaration of Independence? The Declaration of Independence declared men had unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
Why were colonists upset with British taxes? Colonists felt their rights were being violated because there was no representation of the colonists in the British Parliament
What principles do the Magna Carta and English Bill of Rights share? Both documents lowered or lessened the power of the monarchs and the power was transferred to the people
What are the principles of the Magna Carta? Weakens the power of the rulers (Monarch) Everybody had to obey the law including the king Nobody was above the law People have shared power
What is the purpose of the U.S. Bill of Rights? Formal summary of the rights and liberties believed essential to the people Provide amendments to the Constitution & protect the rights of individual citizens
What are checks and balances? Branches of government checking the actions of each other Prevent any 1 branch from having more power than other branches
The power of the government comes from the will of the people According to the Declaration of Independence, where does the power of government come from? The power of the government comes from the will of the people People elect their representatives who are their voice to make the any bill into law
Why was the American Revolution fought? The American revolution was fought over rights of men, taxes, and representation
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? Thomas Jefferson
What is unique about the American Revolution? American Revolution is the first revolution that says people have rights Also the revolution began in America and the colonizer (ruler/government) was far away in Britain
What is Simon Bolivar famous for? Revolutionary leader Helped liberate South American countries from Spain