European Philosophers' Influence on US Constitution

Match each European philosopher to his influential idea.

John Locke
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Montesquieu

Responses:

John Locke introduced the idea of natural rights. Montesquieu suggested the concept of separation of powers. Rousseau contributed the idea of popular sovereignty.

European philosophers like John Locke, Montesquieu, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau had a significant influence on the authors of the US Constitution. John Locke introduced the idea of natural rights, which are inherent to all individuals and are not dependent on government. These rights include life, liberty, and property, and they are considered unalienable, meaning they cannot be taken away.

Montesquieu's significant contribution was the concept of separation of powers, a political idea of dividing governmental power between different branches to prevent any one entity from gaining absolute control. This system of checks and balances is a key component of many modern democracies around the world.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau sparked the idea of popular sovereignty, or the belief that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, who are the source of all political power. This principle emphasizes the importance of democracy and the will of the people in governing a society.

The ideas of these European philosophers shaped the foundational principles of the US Constitution, including limitations on government power, protection of individual rights, and the importance of popular participation in self-governance. Their influence continues to be felt in the structure and values of modern democratic societies.