| A | B |
|---|
| Enlightenment | Europe and American began to think differently during the 18th century because of political and social changes. |
| natural rights | a belief that all people are born with rights such as life, liberty, pursuit of happiness |
| rationalists | these people believe in "self-evident truths" and logic |
| John Locke (1632 - 1704) | wrote about "natural rights" and influenced Thomas Jefferson |
| Montesquieu (1689 - 1784) | wrote "The Spirit of Laws" which explains the 3 branches of government |
| Jean -Jacques Rousseau (1717 - 1826) | wrote "The Social Contract" criticising the aristocracy and he also thought the church should not educate children |
| Thomas Jefferson (1743 - 1826) | influence by John Locke to write Declaration of Independence |
| absolutism or absolute monarch | a system of government in which the monarch (king or queen) is the only source of power |
| common good | an effort by individuals to work together for the benefit of all |
