1. Locke, Hobbes, Montesqiue, & Rousseau
Enlightenment thinkers who shaped the founding fathers

2. THOMAS HOBBES Man is naturally wicked
Needs government to control man and ensure we don’t treat each other poorly
SOCIAL CONTRACT: Give up some freedoms in exchange for security

3. Hobbes Analysis 1 Whose rights are being violated and why?
Who is responsible for the “trail of tears”?
What is the relationship between the “trail of tears” and the idea of limited government?

4. JOHN LOCKE Takes social contract step further Influences Jefferson
Considered “Framer” of the United States Constitution
Difference between “framer” vs. “founder”
All people are equal
Natural Rights
Life, liberty, property
Gov’t needs to protect this
But gov’t should also be
limited

5. Locke Analysis 1
#2: “We have reason to conclude that all peaceful beginnings of government have been laid in the consent of the people.” What does this mean? Do you disagree or agree with what Locke is saying?

6. BARON DE MONTESQUIEU Wrote “Spirit of Laws” Separation of powers
Influences Jefferson greatly

7. Montesquieu Analysis 1
#1: “When the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person, or in the same body of magistrates, there can be no liberty; because apprehensions may arise, lest the same monarch or senate should enact tyrannical laws, to execute them in a tyrannical manner.
What does this mean to you? Do you agree with him?

8. Montesquieu Analysis 2
What is the cartoonist trying to illustrate in this cartoon?
Why is it important that the bald eagle is trying to regain his position?
How does this cartoon represent the belief in equality under the law?

9. Jean- Jaqcues Rousseau
Published in first encyclopedia (Diderot)
Takes social contract EVEN FURTHER!
Need to have a gov’t ruled through popular sovereignty
Gov’t can make and enforce laws citizens must follow

10. Analyzing Rousseau 1
#1: “I …regard the establishment of the political body as a real contract between the people and the chiefs chosen by them: a contract by which both parties bind themselves to observe the laws therein expressed, which form the ties of their union.”
What idea is Rousseau trying to convey here? Do you agree with him? Explain why or why not.

11. Ms Ottenberg’s Docket 9/3-9/4
Students will consider the idea of the Enlightenment thinkers and their impact on the Founding Fathers.
To do:
Complete notes
Save notes on analysis for each thinker; at least one of these quotations and/or images will show up on the test.
Complete reading
Complete Hobbes, Locke, etc. handout