Enlightenment English Test

sources of governemnt’s power

consent of governed; will of majority

structure of government

separation of powers; checks and balances

power of government

absolute power or limited power?

when government fails:

people have right to overthrow the government

government and the economy

Laissez faire; free market

goal of government

material well-being; social justice

purpose of government

to protect natural rights

Hobbes Works and Ideas

• Leviathan

• Presented concept of social contract in which people give up their rights for an organized society

Locke Works and Ideas

• Two Treatises of Government

• People form government to protects their natural rights of life, liberty, and property

• Government has obligation to those it governs

Montesquieu Works and Ideas

• The Spirit of the Laws

• Separation of powers

• Checks and balances

Voltaire Works and Ideas

• Candide

• Criticized powerful institutions for being unjust

• Attacked corrupt government and inequality

• Supported freedom of speech

Rosseau Works and Ideas

• The Social Contract

• Despised political and economic oppression

• Society is restrictive.

• Advocated the will of the majority and the common good

Wollstonecraft Works and Ideas

• A Vindication of the Rights of Woman

• Equal education for girls and boys