Enlightenment Principles and Influences on Modern Democracy

Absolutism

A system where a king or queen holds all the power and rules without limits.

Divine Right

Monarchs claimed their power came directly from God.

Louis XIV of France

Known as the 'Sun King' and stated, 'I am the state.' Put France in debt with wars and lifestyle.

Problem of Absolutism

Often ignored people's rights and caused inequality, leading thinkers to question it.

Time period of the Enlightenment

1600s-1700s (also called the 'Age of Reason').

Scientific Revolution

Used reason and observation to explain the natural world, inspiring the application of reason to society and government.

Renaissance & Reformation

Emphasized human potential and questioning authority.

Printing Press

Helped spread new ideas quickly.

Big Idea of the Enlightenment

Use reason, logic, and observation to improve government, society, and human freedom.

John Locke

Believed in natural rights: life, liberty, property; government should protect these rights; people can overthrow an unjust government.

Thomas Hobbes

Wrote Leviathan; believed humans are naturally selfish and need a strong ruler; supported social contract: people give up freedoms for order.

Baron de Montesquieu

Wrote Spirit of the Laws; advocated for separation of powers (legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent tyranny and establish checks and balances.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Wrote The Social Contract; believed in popular sovereignty (government power comes from the people) and advocated for equality and majority rule.

Voltaire

Fought for freedom of speech, religion, and press; criticized absolute monarchy and the Catholic Church.

Cesare Beccaria

Wrote on crime and punishment; against torture and cruel punishments; supported fair trials and justice reform.

Declaration of Independence (1776)

Locke's influence on natural rights: 'life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness'; government gets power from the consent of the governed; right to rebel if government abuses power.

U.S. Constitution (1787)

Montesquieu's influence on separation of powers into 3 branches; checks and balances to prevent tyranny; Rousseau's influence on popular sovereignty.

Bill of Rights (1791)

Voltaire's influence on freedom of speech, religion, press; Beccaria's influence on no cruel or unusual punishment and fair trials; protects individual rights against government abuse.

Natural Rights

Basic rights belonging to all people.

Social Contract

Agreement between people and government.

Popular Sovereignty

People are the source of government power.

Separation of Powers

Dividing government into branches.

Why the Enlightenment Matters

Challenged old ideas of monarchy and church power; inspired revolutions (American, French, Latin American); shaped modern democracy, human rights, and constitutions worldwide.