1. The Enlightenment

2. The origins of the enlightenment
18th C.- Americans become attracted to a literary, philosophical movement in Europe
The Enlightenment
Leaders of this movement believed humanity’s problems could be solved through reason/logic
Not superstition, rituals, etc. etc.

3. Enlightenment thought
Enlightenment at its peak in mid 18th century
Most Enlightenment thinkers were Diests
Believed in God who had established the universe, but that divine intervention in human affairs was minimal
Believed in rationalism, reason, and science to solve problems of life and society

4. John Locke
Considered one of the single greatest influences of the Enlightenment
Two Treatises of Government
Govt. is supreme, but bound to follow “natural” rights human beings have
Sovereignty resides with the people
Citizens can revolt against a govt. that fails to protect their rights

5. Thomas hobbes Saw humans as naturally selfish and violent
Without govt., people lived in a state of nature
Had a right to everything, but would always have to fight to have it
Impossible to have a productive society

6. The Leviathan Written by Hobbes during the English Civil War
Argued a strong central govt. was the only way to avoid war/chaos
Believed one ruler should have total power

7. A social Contract
Hobbes among the first to discuss the importance of a social contract
Citizens agree to give up a few rights and powers in return for peace and protection
They also lost their right to protest or overthrow a govt.

8. Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Believed govt.’s purpose is to protect freedom and help people get along
Democracy was the best form of govt. (preferred direct democracy)
The Social Contract (1762)
Govt. is based on a contract between individuals and society
People agree to give up some rights in exchange for what’s best for the general will
Can’t abuse/violate other’s rights
Govt. must rule by majority will

9. Baron de Montesquieu
Ideas guided Founding Fathers when they wrote the Constitution
People still cite his ideas today
Believed liberty is defined as peace of mind from being safe vs. doing whatever you want
Can only exist if people follow laws that govt. provides

10. Baron de montesquieu
Admired how English govt. was separated into three parts- called this a separation of powers
Monarch, Parliament, Courts
Believed all branches of govt. should be equal- give them the ability to LIMIT the powers of the other branches
A system of checks and balances
James Madison liked this idea so much he included it in the U.S. Constitution
What are our three branches of govt. in the U.S.?