Enlightenment Thinkers
Thomas Hobbes
Without government, people would be in constant conflict
People give up some freedom in exchange for protection and order
Called this agreement the social contract
John Locke
People are born with natural rights: life, liberty, and property
Government power comes from the consent of the people
If the government fails to protect rights, people can replace it
Montesquieu
The biggest threat to the government is the abuse of power
The government should be divided into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial
Branches must check and balance each other
Rousseau
Political power comes from the will of the people
The government must reflect what the people as a whole want
William Blackstone
People have natural rights to personal security, liberty, and property
The purpose of government and law is to protect natural rights
Government power should be divided, and each branch should check the others