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Natalie Lally
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America declared its independence from the British rule on July 4th, 1776 and formed a
separate government under the United States of America. The Declaration of Independence was
signed and it included the fundamental belief that all men had certain rights. Immediately after
declaring independence, the United States government determined that it would govern with
three separate branches of government. The fundamental theories for both the Declaration of
Independence and three legislative bodies were influenced by various philosophers during the
Enlightenment period. John Locke and Montesquieu were philosophers during the 1700s and
each contributed significant theories that influenced the political framework of the United States
of America. John Locke believed that all people have certain natural rights that must be protected
which became a key part of the constitution. Montesquieu believed a government needed a
balance of power or it would be corrupt. The protection of ones rights and balance of power in
Montesquieu, was a French philosopher who lived during the European Age of Enlightenment, in
the 17th and 18th centuries. Many of the American colonists studied Montesquieu philosophical
theories which influenced the shaping of the United States Constitution. Montesquieu created the
idea of separating governmental authority into three separate branches. This theory led to the
the United States Constitution and the way the founders envisioned a plan that would divide and
thus balance the powers of the new government. The division of powers in our government is
still prevalent today. Montesquieu studied the governments of the ancient Romans and the
parliamentary monarchy of the British. He concluded that these governments were successful
because the concentration of power was not in one persons hand. A dictatorship was an
infringement on ones liberty and thus the need for a balance of power.
John Locke believed that ordinary humans can make reasonable and rational decisions.
He believed that all people have natural rights. As seen on unlhumanrights.org, He was among
the first to advocate the view that people have natural rights simply because they are human
beings, and that these natural rights should be protected by the government. Locke concluded
that all people have rights to life, liberty, and property of which no government should deny.
Locke believed that if ones rights were not protected, then the common people had the right to
overthrow the government. Lockes theories are key to the democratic system of the United
States. Government officials must interact with the people of a democracy. Lockes ideas
inspired the Declaration of Independence and the spirit of equal rights. Modern democracy
continues to follow many of Locks beliefs that support a representative government. Locke
warned that if the government mistreated its people and their rights, then the people would rebel.
Throughout the Enlightenment period, many philosophers influenced and took part in the United
States government and the Declaration of Independence. Without help from numerous
philosophers, our government would be very different as of today. The Enlightenment period
took place around the 1700s which many philosophers from all over the world had helped guide
our countrys government. Throughout this time, John Locke and Montesquieu had drastically
changed our views of the Declaration of Independence. Without their smart words and helpful
guidance, our independence would not be the same. John Locke, being an English philosopher,
believed that everyone had their own rights which no government should deny. As seen on the
religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the
press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a
redress of grievances. John Locke had initial thoughts that our government could be overthrown
if our rights were not covered. Montesquieu, on the other hand, formed our three branches, the
executive branch, judicial branch, and legislative branch. All their genius ideas and thoughts had
been a very important aspect in building our government and supporting the Declaration of
Independence.