World history terms and people

Natural Law

A body of law derived from nature in addition to other laws

Absolutism

A political system with total power

Popular sovereignty

The idea that a government is created and sustained by its people - ultimate source of power

General will

Shared desire of society that aims for common good instead of selfish desires

Separation of powers

The government splits up powers in a way where one branch isn’t more powerful than another.

Natural rights

rights given to someone at birth

Republic

A form of government where people elect a president rather than a king or queen

Democracy

A form of government where the people vote on everything

Salon

Wealthy women held them to help spread the idea of enlightenment, held with philosophes

Thomas hobbes contributions and major written works

First to argue the relationship between people and government/wanted a strong gov to keep people in check. Wrote the leviathan (1651)

Baron de Montesqueiu contributions and major written works

Balance of powers/ Three branches of government. The spirit of the Laws (1748)

John Locke contributions and major written works

All people are born free and equal/ Government exists through agreement with the people. Wrote An Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1689)

Jean-Jaqcues Rousseau contributions and major written works

Free people create a government to reflect their ideals. Must want to be ruled by that government. Wrote the social contract (1762)

Voltair contributions and major written works

People should always have free speech, no complete monarch. Wrote Candide

Adam Smith contributions and major written works

Invented capitalism tied to freedom of individuals from government. Wrote Wealth of Nations.

Cesare Beccaria contributions and major written works

Right of the accused, Gov should not use excessive punishments; no torture. Wrote on crimes and punishments in 1764

Mary Wollstonecraft contributions and major written works

Said women should have a right to education. Wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Woman

Diderot contributions and major written works

Put enlightenment ideas into one set of books called encyclopedias.