Inspiration from the Philosophers of the Enlightenment Period

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

government are still important factors to our current governing system.

Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brde et de Montesquieu, referred as

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

executive branch, legislative branch, and judicial branch. As said on classroom.synonym.com,

Montesquieu's off-cited contribution to political discourse is his theory on the separation of

powers between the legislative, executive and judicial branches, which became the bedrock of

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

first amendment on law.cornelledu, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of

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.