social contract
A contract between the government and its citizens, where citizens give up certain freedoms in exchange for protection.
Leviathan
A book written by Thomas Hobbs, that argues for a social contract and rule by an absolute sovereign
Enlightened Despot
In the 18th century, which monarchs pursued legal, social and educational reforms inspired by the Enlightenment.
Sovereignty
Supreme power or authority
Natural laws
A system of right or justice held to be common to all humans and from nature rather than society or government
Baroque
A highly ornate or elaborate style of architecture, art, clothing, or design
Thomas Hobbs
Was one of the first of his era to discuss the idea of a social contract, changed the focus from monarchy to democracy, and wrote a book called Leviathan.
John Locke
Believed in natural rights that the government should protect, and believed the purpose of government is to end the state of nature and give people certain protections
Baron de Montesquieu
Believed in The government was divided into parts, and each part had its own purpose (separation of powers.) each of the parts, or branches, of government should be equal, each branch have the ability to limit the power of the other two branches (checks and balances).
Mary Wollstonecraft
nvolved in the debate about the “women’s question.” “enlightened” thinkers and philosophers of her day who continually failed to recognize women as intellectuals and independent agents of reason.
Voltaire
Believed that religious differences are trivial and separate men, while trade is important and brings them together. spent his life fighting: superstition, intolerance, and irrational behavior of every kind.
Leviathan
by: Thomas Hobbs
The spirit of laws
By: Baron de Montesquieu
Two Treaties on Government
By: John Locke
Candide
By: Voltaire
legitimate government
a government which is recognized by its population as rightful.
The Sovereign
a supreme ruler, especially a monarch.
magna carta
Written in 1215, Introduced limited government
Petition of right
Written in 1628, no taxation without the consent of Parliament
English Bill of rights
Written in 1689, Established the principles of frequent parliaments, free elections and freedom of speech within Parliament
Thomas Paine
supported revolutionary causes in America and Europe.