| A | B |
|---|
| natural laws | Laws that govern human nature |
| Thomas Hobbes | Wrote the Leviathan. Believed people were naturally cruel, greedy, and selfish. Believed only a powerful government could ensure an orderly society. |
| social contract | An agreement by which citizens gave up the state of nature for an organized society. |
| John Locke | Wrote Two Treatises of Government. Believed people were basically reasonable and moral and that they had certain natural rights that belonged to them since birth. Believed the government has an obligation to the people it governs. (Influence: U.S. Bill of Rights) |
| natural rights | Rights that belonged to humans since birth, including the right to life, liberty, and property. |
| Montesquieu | Published The Spirit of Law. He felt the separation of powers was the best way to protect liberty AND that each branch should be able to serve as a check on the other two. (Influence: 3 Branches of U.S. Government: Legislative, Executive, Judicial) |
| philosophes | People who are lovers of wisdom, such as the Enlightenment Thinkers. |
| Voltaire | He strongly defended the principle of freedom of speech. He publically battled inequality, injustice, and superstition in French society. |
| Rousseau | Wrote The Social Contract. Believed people in their natural state were basically good and that government controls over people should be minimal or limited. (Influence: Limited Government) |
| laissez-faire | An economic policy allowing businesses to operate with little or no government interference. |
