1. The Enlightenment

2. The Enlightenment
A movement that developed in Europe
Thinkers believed education would solve society’s problems
Focused on the relationship between government and the people being governed.

3. John Locke Believed in natural law
These laws were not passed by governments, but were rules that all societies followed (common sense laws)
Guaranteed each of us the right to life, liberty, and property
Believed in the idea of a social contract
People agree to cooperate as a community
Community agrees to obey the ruler
Ruler agrees to protect the people

4. Montesquieu He saw the dangers of a government ruled by one person
Wrote that power in government should be divided into 3 branches
Separation of Powers

5. Influence on American Government
Our Founding Fathers used the ideas of natural law, social contract, and separation of powers to create the system of government in the U.S. Constitution

6. Types of Government

7. Who Rules? There are many different forms of government
Some have one leader who has all control
Others give power to the people

8. Direct Democracy (all citizens vote and are involved)
Who Rules?
ALL
Democracy
Direct Democracy (all citizens vote and are involved)
Representative Democracy (citizens elect leaders to represent them)
FEW
Oligarchy
ONE
Monarchy (King/Queen)
Dictatorship (one leader has absolute control)
NONE
Anarchy