THE ENLIGHTENMENT PHILOSOPHERS

JOHN LOCKE

• The state of nature was seen as a good place according to Locke
• The voluntary agreement was stated to enhance life
• The Declaration of Independence was strongly influenced by Locke
• The natural rights ( life, liberty,and property) were believed to...
• ...be given to all people and the government is supposed to protect these rights

ROUSSEAU

• Society was seen as something that corrupted itself
• General will of the people should be protected by the government
• The implemented policies of the general population was the governments duty
• Happy people lived in a civilized society
• Every person should live in harmony with nature

ROSSEU CON.

• The majority should take priority over the individual

MONTESQUIEU

• The liberty of the people must be protected from corrupt leaders
• Made up separation of pores and checks and balances
• English system of unlimited government was admired
• The U.S. Constitution contains Montesquieu's ideas

END.