The enlightenment philosophers
The dictionary definition of the word liberty is: the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life.Although, during the 1700’s philosophers had different opinions on the government’s requirements to freedom. John Locke believed a perfect government would be one who incorporates ideas on a man’s naturalgiven rights, Baron de Montesquieu believed in Separation of Powers and Rousseau believed in a direct democracy. It is hard to believe that 3 very different ideas could all make an impact on theUnited States Government, that millions of Americans benefit from today, but that is precisely what these famous ideas accomplished to do.
John Locke believed in equality among all people. Therefore, asa human being, we all have natural given rights. Later on, these thoughts developed into 3 specific rights a person should always be given, life, liberty, and the right to own property. John Lockealso believed as humans we have common sense and knowledge to govern our own affairs without a representative so we can protect our natural rights and the government would not have power against thepeople.
Much like Locke, Baron de Montesquieu also believed that giving superfluous amounts of supremacy to a single government would be unjust. Although, he had a diverse form in which he went aboutthis similar idea. Montesquieu believed in a government by means of separating amounts of control. By creating 3 branches of government, an efficient way of checks and balances would be established.Therefore, no one branch alone could portend the sovereignty of the people.
Lastly, Jean-Jacques Rousseau visualized a government portrayed in a way which there was no representatives or dictators,strictly a ‘rule by the people’ type society. This notion of people’s rights was similar to that of John Locke, both philosophers believed in a government administrated by the public. Nevertheless,...
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