Enlightenment Ideas and Separation of Power

The Emergence of Enlightenment Ideas

• Philosophers like John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau proposed a society based on freedom, equal laws, and opportunities for all.
• Locke's Two Treatises of Government refuted the doctrine of the divine and absolute right of the monarch.
• Rousseau advanced the idea of a social contract between people and their representatives.

The Concept of Separation of Power

• Montesquieu's The Spirit of the Laws proposed a division of power within the government between the legislative, executive, and judiciary.
• This model was adopted in the USA after the American Revolution.

The Impact of Enlightenment Ideas

• The American Constitution and its guarantee of individual rights influenced political thinkers in France.
• The ideas of philosophers were discussed in salons and coffee-houses and spread through books and newspapers.

The French Social Context

• The middle class, comprising merchants, manufacturers, and professionals, emerged in the 18th century and sought to end privileges.
• They believed that no group in society should be privileged by birth.
• The growing middle class was educated and had access to new ideas.

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

• The Constitution began with a Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, establishing 'natural and inalienable' rights.
• These rights included the right to life, freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, equality before law, and security.
• The state was responsible for protecting each citizen's natural rights.

The Principles of the French Revolution

• The aim of every political association is to preserve the natural and inalienable rights of man.
• Sovereignty resides in the nation, and no group or individual may exercise authority that does not come from the people.
• Liberty consists of the power to do whatever is not injurious to others.
• The law has the right to forbid only actions that are injurious to society.