How did the Age of Enlightenment change thinking about government? How did these ideas influence our Founding Fathers?

Answer 1

The Age of Enlightenment, an intellectual and philosophical movement that occurred in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, had a profound impact on thinking about government. It brought about a shift from absolute monarchies towards the concept of limited government, individual rights, and social contract theory.

During this period, Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke, Baron de Montesquieu, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, advocated for ideas that challenged the traditional notions of divine right and absolute rule. They emphasized the importance of reason, evidence, and empirical inquiry as well as the natural rights of individuals.

One of the key ideas that influenced the Enlightenment thinkers was the concept of the social contract, which proposed that governments existed to protect the natural rights of individuals and derived their authority from the consent of the governed. This idea provided a moral and philosophical basis for limiting the power of government and ensuring the protection of individual liberties.

The ideas of the Enlightenment profoundly influenced the Founding Fathers of the United States, who were greatly influenced by Enlightenment philosophy. For example:

1. John Locke's ideas of natural rights and the social contract heavily influenced the Founding Fathers, particularly his notion that individuals have inherent rights to life, liberty, and property. This idea is reflected in the Declaration of Independence, which asserts that all individuals have the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

2. Montesquieu's concept of separation of powers, outlined in his book "The Spirit of the Laws," influenced the structure of the American government. The Founding Fathers incorporated the idea of separating power among three branches - legislative, executive, and judiciary - to prevent tyranny and ensure checks and balances.

3. Rousseau's ideas about popular sovereignty and the legitimacy of governments based on the consent of the governed influenced the idea of democracy and provided a philosophical basis for the American Revolution. His concept of a government that reflected the will of the people resonated with the ideals of the Founding Fathers.

Overall, the Age of Enlightenment challenged traditional notions of monarchy and divine right, emphasizing the importance of reason, individual rights, and limited government. These ideas greatly influenced the Founding Fathers in shaping the principles and structure of the American government, as reflected in the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence.