Enlightenment Ideas and the US Constitution

John Locke

Enlightenment Idea

A government’s power comes from he consent of the People

“Life, Liberty and Property”

Effect on the U.S.

DOI: “We the People Of the United States”

DOI: “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”

Representative Government

Limits on Power of Government

Montesquieu

Enlightenment Idea

Separation of Powers within Government

Effect on the US

Federal System of Government

Powers divided among three branches

System of Checks and Balances

Rousseau

Enlightenment Idea

Direct Democracy

Effect on the US

Public Election of President (sort of) and Congressional Representatives

Voltaire

Enlightenment Idea

Free Speech

Religious Toleration

Effect on the US

1st Amendment: The right to Free Speech and exercise of Religion

Beccaria

Enlightenment Idea

Justice to Preserve Order, (not to get revenge) Accused have rights Torture is bad Speedy Trial

Effect on the US

6th Amendment: Right to a Speedy and Public Trial by an Impartial Jury

8th Amendment: Bans “Cruel and Unusual Punishment” (a.k.a. Torture)

Who’s Missing?

Wollstonecraft