ENLIGHTENMENT IDEAS OVERVIEW P. 49 in notebook

WHAT WAS THE ENLIGHTENMENT ALL ABOUT? 1.) Last from ) New ways of thinking lead to the need for reform and government change. 3.) Rights of people and the freedom they long for. 4.) Social progress and system of government change (from monarchy to democracy)

DON’T FORGET THE PEOPLE WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE John Locke: “Life, Liberty and Property” ~His Observation: He denied the divine right of kings rule ~ In 1690, he published Two Treatises of Government. His book justified a strong parliament which protects human rights. ~ Argued that the purpose of government was to protect people’s natural rights.

~ These rights include the right to life, liberty, and property ~ In exchange for rights, people give the government the power to make and enforce laws. ~ The true basis of government was a social contract (agreement) among free people. ~ Government’s authority is based on the consent of the people. If government fails, it can be overthrown.

Thomas Hobbes: What is Social Order? ~ Human beings were naturally cruel, selfish and greedy. ~ In 1651, he published a book called Leviathan. ~ People were driven by a desire for power. without laws, people would always be in conflict. ~ Governments created to protect people from their own selfishness.

Baron de Montesqueiu: Three Branches of Government. ~ Too much power in the hands of any one person or group will lead to tyranny ~ French author, 1748 published The Spirit of Laws. ~ He argued that the best way to protect human rights is it divide power among three branches of government. (checks and balances)

Voltaire: Freedom of Speech ~ Freedom of thought and expression is the only way to fight oppression. ~ He was a French writer and participant in salons. ~ Supported religious tolerance-allowing people to believe in religion in their own way. ~ Strong supporter of free speech.

Cesarte Beccaria: Against Capital punishment. ~ Laws exist to preserve society and order and that punishment did not have to be brutal. ~ A person accused of a crime should receive a fair and speedy trial. ~ Torture should never be used. ~ Capital punishment should never be used. ~ Punishment should fit the seriousness of the crime.

Enlightenment Overview: ~ Freedom of Speech ~ Freedom of Religion ~ Creation of Democracy ~ 3 Branches of Government ~ Legislative (Congress)- Makes laws. ~ Executive (President)- Enforces laws. ~ Judicial (Supreme Court)- interprets laws. ~ Check and balances to prevent corruption