1. 7th Grade Instructions
Utilize your books and notes to complete the study guide
Begin with the Philosophers Chart on the back (PART III)
Complete the following two pages (Part I and II)
When you have complete the study guide/review sheet do the following on a separate sheet of paper (you will be allowed to use this on the Test:
Essay preparation
Explain John Locke’s and Thomas Hobbes’ opposing theories of government (hint: you will should include the following terms/ideas). – Social Contract, Natural Law, Tabula Rasa, Man’s violence/selfishness, Life…Liberty…Property, and English Civil War/Glorious Revolution
Compare the works/ideas of Montesquieu, Rousseau, and Voltaire with the U.S. Constitution and the U.S. Bill of Rights. What ideas directly/indirectly influenced our government? (pgs )
Answer Questions 2-11 on pg. 123 for Lesson 1 (Scientific Revolution)

2. Thomas Hobbes Influenced by the English Civil War
Believed in Natural Law
Absolute Monarchy = the best form of government
Humans were naturally violent and selfish
Wrote the Leviathan
Influenced:
Created the political theory known as Absolutism
Absolutist rulers like Frederick II, Maria Theresa, and Peter the Great

3. John Locke Humans were not naturally violent and selfish
Tabula Rasa – People born with a blank slate/mind shaped by experiences
Influenced by the Glorious Revolution
Believed purpose of government was to protect people’s rights
Believed in Natural Law + Natural Rights
Life, Liberty, and Property
All Governments were based on a Social Contract
If Governments broke the contract people have a right to rebel/change government
Wrote the Two Treatises of Government
Influenced:
Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence
Rousseau and ideas about limited government

4. Baron de Montesquieu Liked the Limited Government of England
Recommended three branches of government
Executive (Monarch), Legislative (Parliament), and Judicial (Courts)
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
Wrote The Spirit of the Laws
Influenced:
The U.S. Constitution and other constitutions
Ideas about limited government

5. Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Influenced by John Locke
Believed in a Social Contract
People in the society agree to be governed by laws and rules created by the people
General Will (or majority rule, supermajority, consensus) should create laws
Believed people should use Reason and their Emotions
Believed people were basically good
Children should be educated on their duty as citizens (Civic Virtue – HEY SOCIAL STUDIES!!!)
Wrote The Social Contract
Influenced:
The U.S. Constitution
Ideas about limited government

6. Francois-Marie Arouet (Voltaire)
Opposed the government favoring one religion and forbidding others
Criticized Roman Catholic Church for restricting knowledge to keep church power
Supported Deism – God created universe and stepped back to allow natural law
Influenced:
Freedom of Religion

7. Denis Diderot Committed to spreading Enlightenment ideas
Religion, government, science, history, art
Wrote Encyclopedia
28 Volumes over 20 years
Influenced:
Freedom of Religion
People who wanted a fairer society for people

8. 7th Grade Instructions
Answer Questions 2-11 on pg. 123 for Lesson 1 (Scientific Revolution)