Enlightenment Thinkers, Founding Documents, and Constitutional Principles

Thomas Jefferson

Author of the Declaration of Independence. Believed in natural rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness) and that government should protect these rights.

John Locke

Believed in natural rights (life, liberty, property), government by consent, and the right to overthrow a government that violates rights. Major influence on Jefferson.

Thomas Hobbes

Believed people are naturally selfish; government (ideally strong and centralized) is needed to keep order (Leviathan).

Alexander Hamilton

Federalist leader. Supported a strong central government, national bank, and ratification of the Constitution.

Federalists

Wanted a strong national government to keep order and unify the country. Supported the Constitution.

Anti-Federalists

Feared too much federal power. Wanted stronger state governments and a Bill of Rights to protect individual freedoms.

Declaration of Independence

1776. Declared U.S. independence from Britain. Listed grievances and emphasized natural rights.

Articles of Confederation

First U.S. government. Weak federal power (no taxing, no military, no executive), led to instability.

The Constitution

Replaced the Articles. Created a stronger federal system with three branches and checks/balances.

Federalist Papers

Essays (Hamilton, Madison, Jay) supporting the Constitution and explaining how it would work.

Magna Carta (1215)

Limited the king's power; early influence on rule of law and due process.

Mayflower Compact (1620)

Pilgrims' agreement to self-govern. Early example of democratic government.

English Bill of Rights (1689)

Limited monarchy; protected rights like trial by jury and no cruel punishment.

Common Sense (1776)

Pamphlet by Thomas Paine. Encouraged colonists to break away from Britain.

Locke's Second Treatise

Justified rebellion if government violates natural rights.

Hobbes' Leviathan

Supported strong government to prevent chaos.

Great Compromise

Created a bicameral legislature. House = population; Senate = equal.

Three-Fifths Compromise

3/5 of enslaved people counted for taxes and representation.

Electoral College

Created to balance popular vote and Congressional power.

Popular Sovereignty

Power from the people.

Limited Government

Government only has powers people give it.

Separation of Powers

Three branches (Legislative, Executive, Judicial).

Checks and Balances

Each branch can limit others.

Federalism

Division of power between national and state governments.

Bill of Rights

First 10 amendments; protects freedoms like speech, religion, press, trial by jury.