1. Ideas of John Locke

2. The Enlightenment The period in Europe during the 17 th and 18 th centuries that saw the development of new ideas about the rights of people and their relationship to their rulers.

3. John Locke Enlightenment philosopher whose ideas, more than any other’s, influenced the American belief in self- government.

4. Locke’s “State of Nature” In the “state of nature” men seek to protect their life, liberty, and property.

5. State of Nature But, in this “state of nature” there is no government. The strong can take over the weak.

6. State of Nature The instinct is for people to form a government that will prevent this.

7. State of Nature But, the government must not get so strong as to do the same – take away our life, liberty, and property. It must limit itself. How?

8. State of Nature This government is created and governed by the consent of the governed. People will not consent to a government that threatens their liberty.

9. State of Nature Therefore, the government to which they freely choose to submit to will be a limited government designed to protect liberty.

10. Locke’s Social Contract 1. All people are free, equal, and have “natural rights” of life, liberty, and property that rulers cannot take away.

11. Social Contract 2. All original power resides in the people, and they consent to enter into a “social contract” among themselves to form a government to protect their rights. (con’t)

12. Social Contract In return, the people promise to obey the laws and rules established by their government, establishing a system of “ordered liberty.”

13. Social Contract 3. Government’s powers are limited to those the people have consented to give to it.

14. Social Contract Whenever government becomes a threat to the people’s natural rights, it breaks the social contract and the people have the right to alter or overthrow it.

15. Social Contract Locke’s ideas about the sovereignty and rights of the people were radical and challenged the centuries-old practice throughout the world of dictatorial rule by kings, emperors, and tribal chieftains.

17. Thomas Paine and Common Sense

19. · English immigrant to America who produced a pamphlet known as Common Sense that challenged the rule of the American colonies by the King of England.

20. Common Sense was read and acclaimed by many American colonists during the mid-1700s and contributed to a growing sentiment for independence from England.

21. Effects of the Key Principles

22. Political Participation (equality) Extending the franchise Upholding due process of law Providing free public education

23. Social Participation (liberty) Abolishing slavery Extending civil rights to women and other groups

24. Economic participation (pursuit of happiness) Regulating the free enterprise system Promoting economic opportunity Protecting property rights