1. The Enlightenment and U.S. Government

2. The Enlightenment A time of new and revolutionary ideas in Europe during the late 1600s and 1700s A time of new and revolutionary ideas in Europe during the late 1600s and 1700s

3. John Locke English philosopher English philosopher Argued that people had the right to life, liberty, and property Argued that people had the right to life, liberty, and property Social Contract: If the government fails to protect rights, then the people have the right to overthrow that government and set up a new one. Social Contract: If the government fails to protect rights, then the people have the right to overthrow that government and set up a new one.

4. Montesquieu French Nobleman French Nobleman Critic of absolute monarchies Critic of absolute monarchies For individual freedom For individual freedom Believed liberty required a separation and balance of powers Believed liberty required a separation and balance of powers

5. Rousseau Expanded on the ideas of the social contract Expanded on the ideas of the social contract A community should consist of people who share common values and attitudes. A community should consist of people who share common values and attitudes.

6. Benjamin Franklin Brought many of these ideas back from Europe and opened their discussion. Brought many of these ideas back from Europe and opened their discussion. Played a part in the decision to gain independence and form a new US government. Played a part in the decision to gain independence and form a new US government.

7. Major Enlightenment Ideas Applied natural law, reason, and rationalism to government, religion, and economics Applied natural law, reason, and rationalism to government, religion, and economics Challenged absolutism, divine right of kings, and religious authority Challenged absolutism, divine right of kings, and religious authority Governments should not regulate business/the economy (laissez-faire) Governments should not regulate business/the economy (laissez-faire) Governments exist to protect natural rights of the citizens Governments exist to protect natural rights of the citizens Citizens can change/overthrow governments if rights are not being protected (Social Contract) Citizens can change/overthrow governments if rights are not being protected (Social Contract)