In this unit you are studying the ideas of Enlightenment philosophers, including the ideas of Locke, Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Wollstonecraft. These thinkers challenged the ideas of society and government that existed at the time. To answer this discussion question you will reflect on the ideas of the Enlightenment philosophers and the impact their ideas had on our leaders who built our constitution and government. One example of this is John Locke, who influenced our Declaration of Independence and Constitution with his idea of natural rights through Thomas Jefferson. What other ideas where borrowed by our founding fathers? Give an example and explain how it was used in our own government.

Question

This link will serve as a resource/refresher. 

Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau on Government

(10 points)

Answer 1

The Enlightenment was a significant period that reshaped political thought, and its philosophers had a profound influence on the development of modern democratic governments, particularly in the United States. In addition to John Locke's ideas on natural rights, other Enlightenment thinkers contributed to the foundational principles of American government.

One prominent example is Montesquieu, whose concept of the separation of powers significantly influenced the structure of the U.S. government. Montesquieu argued that political power should not be concentrated in one entity but rather divided among different branches to prevent tyranny. In his seminal work, "The Spirit of the Laws," he advocated for a system where legislative, executive, and judicial powers were separated.

The Founding Fathers, particularly James Madison and other framers of the Constitution, adopted this principle when drafting the U.S. Constitution. They established three distinct branches of government: the legislative branch (Congress), responsible for making laws; the executive branch (the President), responsible for enforcing laws; and the judicial branch (the courts), responsible for interpreting laws. This separation was not only intended to create checks and balances within the government but also to prevent any single branch from gaining too much power, ensuring a system of government that aligns closely with Montesquieu’s vision.

Moreover, the checks and balances system, which came from the idea of separating powers, was designed to allow each branch to monitor and limit the functions of the others. For instance, while Congress can make laws, the President has the power to veto legislation, and the judiciary can declare laws unconstitutional. This framework has been fundamental in maintaining the rule of law and protecting individual freedoms in the United States.

In summary, Montesquieu’s ideas on the separation of powers were instrumental in shaping the U.S. Constitution and its government structure, promoting a balanced system that has endured through the nation’s history.