Enlightenment a period in which people changed their outlook on life by seeing reason as the key to human progress

Constitutional Monarchy a form of government in which the monarch's (king) power is limited by a basic set of laws

Social Contract citizens give up some freedom and in exchange the government protects citizens' right to life, liberty, and property.

Natural Rights rights that belong to the people "by nature," simply because they are human beings

Separation of Powers the division of powers among branches of government that limits power from any one person

Absolute Monarchy a king or queen who rules over an entire nation with absolute power

Absolutism complete and unrestricted government power, usually in the hands of one person

Divine Right of Kings meant that Kings derived their authority from God and could not be held accountable for their actions.

Consent of the Governed / Popular Sovereignty The power of the government comes from the people; if a government failed, then citizens have the right to revolt.

Hobbes Believed that human beings were naturally cruel, selfish, and greedy, and needed a government that had absolute authority

John Locke Blank slate theory, natural rights and the idea that man has the right to overthrow a ruler who does not protect those rights

Montesquieu Believed that the only way to prevent one person having too much power in government was to divide the powers between 3 branches of government so they can check and balance each other

Rousseau Believed that humans are naturally good, that there is a social contract between the government and the people, and that education should be given through learning experience.

Voltaire Believed in people's right of freedom of speech and advocated religious tolerance, or people's right to practice religion in their own ways.