3 Wise Men- Locke, Rousseau and Montesquieu The basis of American ideals and government

Natural Rights- John Locke All men have certain natural, essential, and inherent rights - enjoying and defending life and liberty; acquiring, possessing, and protecting, property; and, of seeking and obtaining happiness. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied on account of race, creed, color, sex or national origin- 14th amendment

Social Contract- Jean Jacque Rousseau Social Contract is the idea that we give up some of our rights in return we receive order in society and are protected by the government. Therefore governments power comes from the people, because it is the choice of the people to give up their power.

Separation of Powers- Baron de Montesquieu Divide the power and duties of the government among three branches: executive, judicial and legislative Each branch would have “checks” the other branches duty so that no one branch could do something without another approving- this is called checks and balances

How these Ideas Changed the World The United States declared their independence from Britain and created the oldest working democratic Constitution Many countries have based their own constitutions from our Constitution Many disputes and wars have been fought over these ideals.