Question

Philosopher
Written Work
Significance to Declaration of Independence
Thomas Hobbes
Leviathan


John Locke
Second Treatise on Government


Jean-Jacques Rousseau
The Social Contract


Montesquieu
The Spirit of the Laws

Answer 1

Here's a summary of the philosophers mentioned, their written works, and their significance to the Declaration of Independence:

### Thomas Hobbes
**Written Work:** *Leviathan*
**Significance to the Declaration of Independence:** Hobbes articulated the idea of a social contract, wherein individuals consent to surrender some of their freedoms in exchange for security and order provided by a sovereign. While his notion leaned towards strong central authority (absolute monarchy), it set the groundwork for later social contract theories, highlighting the importance of governance and the need for a system that protects the rights of individuals, which influenced the framers of the Declaration.

### John Locke
**Written Work:** *Second Treatise on Government*
**Significance to the Declaration of Independence:** Locke's ideas greatly influenced the Declaration of Independence, particularly his concepts of natural rights (life, liberty, and property) and the idea that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. He argued that if a government fails to protect these rights, the people have the right to revolt. This notion is echoed in the Declaration, where Jefferson speaks of rights to "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" and the justifications for overthrowing a government that violates these rights.

### Jean-Jacques Rousseau
**Written Work:** *The Social Contract*
**Significance to the Declaration of Independence:** Rousseau emphasized the importance of the general will and popular sovereignty, arguing that legitimate political authority comes from the agreement of the people. His ideas about collective decision-making and the notion that sovereignty resides with the people helped shape democratic ideals that are reflected in the Declaration’s assertion of popular rights and authority.

### Montesquieu
**Written Work:** *The Spirit of the Laws*
**Significance to the Declaration of Independence:** Montesquieu's analysis of political systems and the separation of powers influenced the framers of the U.S. Constitution. Although the Declaration itself is primarily about justifying independence and asserting rights rather than governance structure, his ideas contributed to the broader political context in which the Declaration was made, emphasizing the importance of checks and balances to prevent tyranny.

### Conclusion
The works of these philosophers provided foundational concepts that shaped Enlightenment thought and played crucial roles in the formulation of the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence. The emphasis on natural rights, the social contract, government by consent, and the importance of limiting governmental power were all critical influences in the American struggle for independence and the formation of new governance structures.