The Enlightenment: Rousseau & Beccaria How do Rousseau & Beccaria influence Western Democracy?

Jean-Jacques Rousseau  , born in Geneva, lived in France  Believed Equality & direct democracy  Wrote On the Social Contract  Influences: Direct Voting, 13 th Amendment  Rousseau believed only good govt was one that was freely formed by the people & guided by general will of the people (what is best)  Rousseau’s social contract is an agreement amongst the people  People may have to give up what may be best for them for the good of the entire state, & laws will protect rights  Famous quote: “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains”.  Ideas help start the French Revolution

Cesare Beccaria  , born in Italian States (Milan, Lombardy)  Believed in a good system of justice  Wrote On Crimes & Punishment  Influences Judicial Review & US BOR “legal rights ”  Believes people are entitled to a fair & speedy trial  Believed that we have laws & punishments to keep order not to avenge crimes  Punishment should be based on the seriousness of the crime  However, Beccaria believed that cruelty/torture should never be used, so he was opposed to capital punishment (death penalty)  Famous quote: “the punishment should fit the crime”  Wrote Judicial branch should review laws against the constitution Question: Do you agree with Rousseau’s idea of general will and Beccaria’s idea of the punishment should fit the crime? Why/why not?