Enlightened Philosophers: The Philosophes

John Locke The idea of self-government favored over absolute monarchy. All humans have the same natural rights to seek life, liberty and property. All humans have a responsibility not to intrude on the rights of others. Government represents a social contract between the ruler and the people.

John Locke The purpose of government is to protect people’s natural rights. If it doesn’t, the people have the right to overthrow that government. Government’s power comes from the consent of the people. Natural condition of humans is one of freedom and equality.

John Locke Published: Two Treatise of Government 1690 Thought people had the ability to reason and make good choices, i.e. Be reasonable in society. Governments get power from the- Consent of the Governed Against taxation without representation.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau People are born free but are often kept in chains by their social institutions. People give up some of their freedom in exchange for the common good. The general will or the will of the majority must take priority over individual will.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau Government should be formed by the people and guided by the general will of society. All people are equal and titles of nobility should be abolished. Every system of government should have as its objectives two things, liberty and equality.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau Published The Social Contract 1762 Concept: The General Will- majority rule Majority should work for the common good Good view of human nature Best type of government: Democracy

Baron de Montesquieu Many forms of government can work well. The liberty of the people should be protected from corrupt leaders. Freedom for the people should be sought and tyranny in any form should be opposed. Published The Spirit of the Laws 1748

Baron de Montesquieu Separation of powers in government is the key to successfully keeping one person or group from obtaining too much power. Having three branches of government would separate the power and serve as a check of each other.

Thomas Hobbes Published: Leviathan 1651 Thought people were naturally wicked and evil (lived through the English Civil War). Thought people needed a strong ruler to maintain order. Social Contract-People give up a little liberty (freedom) to a government that provides organization (law and order).

Thomas Hobbes Natural condition of humans is one of continuous conflict and competition. Without government-anarchy. People should give away individual liberties for group safety and social order-this is a Social Contract. Best type of government: Monarchy, King

Miscellaneous Rationalists, rational law Voltaire: freedom of speech, imprisoned by French for criticizing nobility Popular sovereignty Enlightened despotism Mary Wollstonecraft-women deserved same rights as men

Ideas of The Declaration of Independence All men are created equal. Men have inalienable rights such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Governments are instituted to protect these rights. Governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed.

Ideas of The Declaration of Independence If a government takes away people’s natural rights, the people have a right to abolish it. People have a right to establish a new government that will protect their natural rights.