Enlightenment

Enlightenment

1. philosophers

   • Thomas Hobbes- all people born with certain rights. born in Westport, England, on April 5, 1588, was known for his views on how humans could thrive in harmony while avoiding the perils and fear of societal conflict.
   • John Locke- people have rights that gov’t can’t take away.(1632-1704) laid much of the groundwork for the Enlightenment and made central contributions to the development of liberalism.
   • Montesquieu- division of power (3 branches of gov) born in the Aquitaine region of France on January 18, 1689, during the Age of Enlightenment. Through his education and travels he became a sharp social commentator and political thinker who gained the respect of his fellow philosophers with his masterwork The Spirit of Laws, legislature, an executive, and a judiciary.

2. Magna Carta:Aka “Great Charter” 1215 Led to first limited government Gov’t must: Obey set of laws King could not impose laws without consent of group of nobles

3. English Bill of Rights:Limited power of monarch Could not tax w/o parliament’s consent. Gave citizens rights. Model for:US Constitution and Bill of Rights