The Enlightenment philosophy influenced the following aspects of US government:
1. Social contract: The concept of social contract, as advocated by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, influenced the idea of government deriving its legitimacy from the consent of the governed. This principle is foundational to the democratic system of government in the United States, where elected representatives derive their authority from the consent of the people they govern.
2. Limited government interference: Enlightenment philosophy emphasized the importance of limiting government power to prevent tyranny and protect individual rights. This idea significantly influenced the drafting of the US Constitution, particularly through the inclusion of a Bill of Rights that safeguards individual liberties and restricts the government's ability to infringe upon them.
3. Separation of powers: The principle of separation of powers, a key aspect of Enlightenment thought popularized by philosophers like Montesquieu, shaped the structure of the US government. The US Constitution divides governmental powers among three branches – the executive, legislative, and judicial – to prevent the concentration of power in any one branch and ensure a system of checks and balances to safeguard against potential abuses of authority.
4. Common law: While common law is not directly tied to Enlightenment philosophy, it has influenced the US legal system by providing a foundation of legal principles derived from judicial decisions and customs. The principles of equity and fairness inherent in common law align with some Enlightenment ideals, such as the emphasis on reason, justice, and individual rights.
By aligning these aspects of US government with Enlightenment philosophy, we can see how the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers helped shape the principles and structures of the American political system.
