John Locke

Natural rights — life, liberty, and property. Government's main job is to protect these rights; power comes from the consent of the governed.

Thomas Hobbes

People are naturally selfish (Leviathan); society needs a strong government/ruler to maintain order and prevent chaos.

Baron de Montesquieu

Separation of powers — dividing government into branches (executive, legislative, judicial) prevents any one person or group from becoming too powerful.

Voltaire

Strongly criticized religious intolerance; promoted freedom of speech and religion.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

People are born free, but society and institutions can create inequality; government should reflect the "general will" of the people.

Mary Wollstonecraft

Argued for women's rights — greater access to education and political equality.

Cesare Beccariah

Criminal justice reform; believed punishments should be fair, reasonable, and related to the crime.