Highlights: Enlightenment Ideas SS.7.C.1.1 Recognize how Enlightenment ideas including Montesquieu’s view of separation of powers and John Locke’s theories of natural law and how Locke’s social contract influenced the Founding Fathers. Terri Susan Fine, Ph.D. Content Specialist, Florida Joint Center for Citizenship

What are Enlightenment Ideas? Enlightenment is the term used to describe a Western philosophy that emphasizes reason as its primary basis. Enlightenment ideas include an emphasis on liberty and individual rights. The benchmark focuses on the ideas of Locke (1632-1704) and Montesquieu (1689-1755).

John Locke 1632-1704

John Locke’s Ideas: Social Contract A social contract existed between the government and society in a civil (citizen based) government. A voluntary (social) contract between the government and the governed had to be in place in order for that government to be legitimate.

John Locke’s Ideas: Natural Law Civil government is based on natural law (SS.7.C.1.1), which is fundamentally tied to natural rights (see Benchmark SS.7.C.1.4). These ideas show that people are born with God given (natural) rights that are protected by civil governments. The people enter into a social contract voluntarily provided that the government is formed in a way that respects natural law.

Charles Montesquieu 1689-1755

Charles Montesquieu’s Ideas: Separation of Powers “[G]overnment should be set up so that no man need be afraid of another”. One key way to accomplish this objective was to separate the three powers of government (legislative, executive, judicial) into three separate departments. Separating powers insures that power will not be concentrated with one individual or group of individuals. Liberty is threatened if power became concentrated in one place; thus, no branch of government could threaten the freedom of the people.

Impact on the Founding Fathers Enlightenment ideas were read by the Founding Fathers. Locke’s views of natural law and social contract are reflected in the Declaration of Independence. Montesquieu’s ideas about separation of powers are found in the U.S. Constitution. The Founding Fathers were deeply concerned about government abusing its power. It was reasoned that when a government abused its power, it deprived the citizens of their liberty. As liberty was a fundamental God given (natural) right (see Benchmark SS.7.C.1.4), assurances had to be put in place to protect the people from government abusing its power.

The Enlightenment through a Contemporary Lens-Separation of Powers The Enlightenment ideas of separation of powers, natural law and social contract remain relevant today. a) Congress never declared war on Vietnam (see Benchmark 4.3); the Vietnam War (1964-1975) was a civil war was being fought between North and South Vietnam because communists wanted to take over South Vietnam. The U.S. got involved to stop the spread of communism and the growing power of the Chinese, who supported North Vietnam. b) U.S. v. Nixon (see Benchmark 3.12); the U.S. Supreme Court decided that the President's use of "executive privilege" was subject to judicial review.

The Enlightenment through a Contemporary Lens-Natural Law DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD-Adopted by UN General Assembly in 1959 (excerpt) (see Benchmark 4.3). WHEREAS the peoples of the United Nations have…reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights and in the dignity and worth of the human person, and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom, WHEREAS the United Nations has…., proclaimed that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction of any kind,… WHEREAS the child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection, before as well as after birth, WHEREAS mankind owes to the child the best it has to give,…