Enlightenment Influence on American Government

The Enlightenment and its Influence on American Government

• The Enlightenment ideas of the 1700s greatly impacted the American colonies, shaping the government created after the Revolutionary War.
• The Declaration of Independence reflects Enlightenment ideals, drawing from the Magna Carta, the English Bill of Rights, and Enlightenment thinkers.
• The Founding Fathers responded to British Parliament abuses, believing it had betrayed the Magna Carta and basic human rights.
• Thomas Jefferson used John Locke's ideas to create the Declaration of Independence.
• James Madison, the "father of the Constitution," used Enlightenment thinkers, the Magna Carta, and the English Bill of Rights in creating the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

John Locke and Natural Rights

• John Locke, a key Enlightenment thinker, believed governments should protect natural rights: life, liberty, and property.
• Locke said these rights were "unalienable" and that the people could change or replace a government that failed to protect them.
• Locke's ideas inspired questioning the government and influenced Thomas Jefferson in writing the Declaration of Independence.
• Jefferson used Locke's concept of natural rights, including "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
• Jefferson stated the government's power comes from the people and should follow the people's beliefs.
• The Declaration argued that the English king abused his power, denying colonists their rights; so the colonists had the right to rebel.
• The Declaration asserted the government's power comes from the people, contradicting the idea of divine right.
• The Constitution begins with "We the people" to symbolize citizen creation of the form of government.

Montesquieu and Separation of Powers

• Montesquieu's idea of "separation of powers" meant dividing government powers to prevent one person or group from having complete control.
• James Madison divided the U.S. government into three branches based on Montesquieu's ideas: executive, legislative, and judicial.
• The legislative branch makes laws, the executive enforces them, and the judicial interprets them.
• All three branches must work together.

Checks and Balances

• Montesquieu's idea of "checks and balances" meant each government branch can limit the power of the other branches.
• James Madison established a system of checks and balances/laws in the U.S. government to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
• The president can veto laws, but Congress can override the veto with a 2/3 vote.

Rousseau and Republicanism

• Rousseau advocated for a republic where people elect representatives.
• The Constitution established a republican government with elected officials, giving the people control over their government.
• The people can remove representatives who fail to protect their rights.
• The Constitution went into effect on March 4, 1789.

The Bill of Rights

• The Bill of Rights guarantees the rights of the people.
• James Madison studied the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights to create the U.S. Bill of Rights.
• Included rights from the Magna Carta, such as not being jailed without charge.
• Reflected in Amendments five through seven, which set ground rules for a fair jury trial
• The Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive bail and fines and can be traced directly back to the 20th clause of Magna Carta
• The English Bill of Rights influenced rights like freedom of speech and protection from cruel and unusual punishment.
• The Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, safeguards individual rights.

Summary

• Enlightenment ideas, the Magna Carta, and the English Bill of Rights influenced the American Revolution.
• These documents influenced Thomas Jefferson in writing the Declaration of Independence.
• These documents provided a guide for James Madison when writing the Constitution and the U.S. Bill of Rights.