Enlightenment
A movement in the 18th century that advocated the use of reason in the reappraisal of accepted ideas and social institutions.
John Locke
English philosopher who advocated the idea of a "social contract" in which government powers are derived from the consent of the governed and in which the government serves the people; also said people have natural rights to life, liberty and property.
Baron de Montesquieu
believed government should have separation of powers
Separation of Powers
the division of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government
Natural Law
A doctrine that society should be governed by certain ethical principles that are part of nature and, as such, can be understood by reason.
Social Contract
An agreement between the people and their government signifying their consent to be governed
individual liberties
rights enjoyed by all people, such as life, liberty, and property
Founding Fathers
leaders who laid the groundwork for the United States