What influenced American government? The Age of Enlightenment 1650s-1780s Challenged the authority of the Catholic Church Idea of reforming society with toleration, science and skepticism Idea of natural rights—all humans are born with these life liberty property Idea of the social contract—people need protections and agree to give up certain freedoms for that protection. What is the best form of protection? absolute monarchy (Hobbes) Constitutional monarchy or republic (Locke) Limited government with the consent of the governed (Locke) Democracy or whatever is decided directly by the people (Rousseau)

What influenced American government? Early British documents Magna Carta English Bill of Rights Petition of Right State documents Virginia Declaration of Rights (George Mason) Massachusetts Body of Liberties General mistrust of strong national government based on the former colonial relationship with Britain

Thinkers of the Enlightenment: Thomas Hobbes (British) Ideas: A social contract exists between rulers and the governmed. Absolute rulers may be necessary to maintain order in a “state of nature.” Major work: Leviathan

Thinkers of the Enlightenment: John Locke (British) Idea: People have natural rights to life, liberty and property. Major work: Two Treatises on Government

Thinkers of the Enlightenment: Jean-Jacques Rousseau (French) Idea: Popular sovereignty: government must do what the people want it to do. Major work: The Social Contract

Thinkers of the Enlightenment: Charles-Louis Montesquieu (French) Idea: A government’s power should be limited, and it should be divided among different groups of people. Major work: The Spirit of the Laws

Thinkers of the Enlightenment: Voltaire (French) Idea: Free speech: “I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” Major work: Candide

Thinkers of the Enlightenment: Mary Wollstonecraft (British) Idea: Women should have the same rights and opportunities that men have Major work: Vindication of the Rights of Women

Thinkers of the Enlightenment: Adam Smith (Scottish) Idea: Government should not try to control the economy. Major work: The Wealth of Nations