Omar Bennett
The U.S. Constitution was influenced by a variety of political philosophies, including republicanism, civic virtue, and the Enlightenment values of liberty, equality, and justice. The ideas of the French Enlightenment philosophes strongly influenced the American revolutionaries, who sought to create a government based on these values. The writings of John Locke, a 17th-century English philosopher, also played a significant role in shaping the minds of the Framers of the Constitution. Locke's philosophy centered around the idea of natural rights and the social contract, arguing that legitimate government power stems from the consent of the governed. The influence of Locke can be seen in the Declaration of Independence, which states that all men are created equal and endowed with certain inalienable Rights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Republicanism | Common good |
| Separation of powers | Responsibilities of citizens |
| Consent of the governed | Equality |
| Natural rights | Liberty |
| Civic virtue | Justice |
| Checks and balances |
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What You'll Learn
The influence of philosophers like Locke, Montesquieu, and Blackstone
The Constitution of the United States was drafted by the Founding Fathers, who were influenced by the works of philosophers such as John Locke, Montesquieu, and William Blackstone. These philosophers' ideas and principles laid the groundwork for the American political ideology and the revolutionary vision of a government rooted in the consent of the governed.
John Locke, an English philosopher, grew up in a Puritan family during a time of political turmoil marked by the English Civil War. His social contract theory and advocacy for the separation of powers had a significant influence on the development of the US Constitution. Locke's belief in a conditional and accountable government led to the inclusion of mechanisms and amendments to ensure that the government remained answerable to the people. His theories on natural rights and government by consent were reflected in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Locke's arguments about the right to property and the protection of personal estates influenced the framing of economic clauses and property rights within the Constitution, particularly the Fifth Amendment.
Montesquieu, a French philosopher, is known for his work, "The Spirit of the Laws" (1748), which likely influenced the Founding Fathers' thoughts on the distribution of power in the US government.
William Blackstone, an English jurist, wrote "Commentaries on the Laws of England," a treatise on English law that outlined principles of liberty that later influenced the First Amendment of the US Constitution. Blackstone's analysis of legal principles, including parliamentary sovereignty and the right to revolution, informed the development of a system to govern the former colonies, albeit modified for a republican form of government. Blackstone's ideas on the freedom of the press and his interpretation of English common law also influenced the Seventh Amendment and the understanding of natural rights in the US.
The influence of these philosophers shaped the political philosophy and ideology that underpin the US Constitution, contributing to the creation of a government that aimed to protect the natural rights and liberties of its citizens.
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The concept of civic virtue and republicanism
Neo-Athenian republicanism, inspired by ancient Greek civic humanism, emphasizes democratic participation and a rich sense of civic virtue, strong citizenship, and patriotism. On the other hand, neo-Roman republicanism, as advocated by Machiavelli and Madison, focuses on protecting individual freedom and creating institutional arrangements that prevent mob rule and tyranny.
The Framers of the Constitution were influenced by these republican ideals, seeking to establish a government that served the common good and safeguarded individual rights. They believed that a system of checks and balances, with elected lawmakers acting as delegates of the people, would temper the passions of the populace and ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
Republicanism, as a form of government, contrasts with autocratic rule, where a single person's interests dominate the state. Instead, republicanism emphasizes the interconnection between individual freedom and civic participation, promoting justice and the common good. The philosophical works of Cicero, a staunch advocate of republicanism, played a significant role in shaping the Framers' vision for the new American republic.
The concept of civic virtue is integral to republican self-government. Public figures, such as politicians and legislators, are expected to model these virtues, including temperance, justice, sincerity, and humility, to set an example for the public. Benjamin Franklin's 13 virtues, outlined in his autobiography, provide a framework for individuals to strive for personal improvement and contribute to the betterment of society.
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The English political system and the Magna Carta
The English political system has been influenced by several key factors over the centuries, including the Magna Carta, which played a significant role in shaping the country's legal and political landscape.
The Magna Carta, or "Great Charter", was a document signed by King John of England in 1215. It was the first written constitution in Europe and marked a significant shift in the balance of power between the monarch and the barons. The charter was the result of a rebellion by barons against the king's rule, during which they demanded protection from his unbrided power. The Magna Carta introduced the concept of legal limits on the king's personal powers and created a legal system by which the king had to abide, including protections for the clergy and nobility. It also established a council of barons, or parliament, to monitor the king's actions and ensure he abided by the law.
The Magna Carta became an important symbol of the rule of law and influenced the development of common and constitutional law, political representation, and the evolution of parliament. It was also a source of inspiration for later constitutional documents, including the Constitution of the United States, as the Founding Fathers of the United States admired its rebellious nature against the English throne.
In addition to the Magna Carta, the English political system has been influenced by other factors such as the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which established the doctrine of parliamentary supremacy in England. This event was justified by the English philosopher John Locke, who published the "Second Treatise of Civil Government." Locke's philosophy centered around the idea of innate, inalienable rights that individuals possess simply by being human, including life, liberty, and property. He believed that legitimate government power stems from the consent of the governed and that government exists to protect these fundamental rights.
Another influential factor was the concept of republicanism, which emphasized the common good and the responsibilities of citizens within a republic. The Framers of the Constitution were influenced by the principles of Roman Republic and the works of philosophers such as Cicero. They believed in a system of checks and balances between different branches of government to safeguard against corruption and the concentration of power.
Overall, the English political system, including the Magna Carta, has been shaped by a variety of philosophical and historical factors that have contributed to the development of democratic ideals, the rule of law, and the protection of individual rights.
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The European Enlightenment and its values of liberty, equality, and justice
The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was a European intellectual and philosophical movement that spanned the late 17th to early 19th centuries. The Enlightenment was chiefly concerned with rationalism and empiricism, and its adherents held a wide range of social and political ideals, including natural law, liberty, equality, fraternity, constitutional government, and the separation of church and state. The Enlightenment's proponents aimed to apply the methods of the Scientific Revolution to address societal issues, and they believed that knowledge could only be derived from careful study and the application of reason, rather than religious inspiration or traditional beliefs.
The Enlightenment's values of liberty, equality, and justice were central to its philosophy. Liberty, in the context of the Enlightenment, meant freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and freedom from unreasonable government interference, such as torture and censorship. Equality was a fundamental principle advocated by Enlightenment thinkers like Rousseau, who insisted on complete equality between men, stating that "the person of the meanest citizen is as sacred and inviolable as that of the first magistrate".
The Enlightenment's commitment to justice was reflected in its belief in the importance of reason and natural law. Enlightenment thinkers questioned the claims of absolute monarchy based on divine right and argued that legitimate political authority should be derived from the consent of the governed. This idea of a social contract, proposed by Enlightenment philosophers such as Locke and Rousseau, held that individuals in a state of nature are naturally equal and free, and that they form governments to protect their fundamental rights. According to Locke, the purpose of political society is to preserve and protect the natural rights of individuals, including life, liberty, and property.
The European Enlightenment had a significant influence on the political philosophies that formed the basis of the United States Constitution. The Founding Fathers of the United States were deeply influenced by Enlightenment thinkers such as Locke, Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Rousseau. Thomas Jefferson, in particular, incorporated Enlightenment ideals into the Declaration of Independence, echoing Locke's philosophy of natural rights and equality. The Constitution also reflected Enlightenment values through its emphasis on checks and balances, civic virtue, and the establishment of a republican form of government, which aimed to temper the passions of the populace through representation and promote the common good.
The Enlightenment's impact extended beyond the United States, influencing nations globally, including France, India, and Egypt. In France, the Enlightenment contributed to social unrest and ultimately, the French Revolution, which sought to replace the monarchy with a new order based on Enlightenment ideals of liberty and equality. The French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen in 1789 was a key manifestation of Enlightenment principles, aiming to establish rights and freedoms that would serve as a model for the world.
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The social contract theory and natural rights
John Locke, another prominent social contract theorist, disagreed with Hobbes's philosophical foundations and conclusions. Locke's philosophy focused on innate, inalienable rights that individuals possess simply by being human: life, liberty, and property. These rights are inherent and not granted by any governing body. Locke's vision of the social contract holds that legitimate government power stems from the consent of the governed. In his view, people form governments to protect their fundamental rights, which would otherwise be insecure without an overarching authority to define and enforce laws. He also argued that legitimate political governments are the result of a social contract where people conditionally transfer some of their rights to the government to better ensure the stable enjoyment of their rights.
The ideas of Locke and Hobbes significantly influenced the minds of the Framers of the U.S. Constitution. The Declaration of Independence, with its assertion that "all men are created equal" and possess "certain inalienable Rights", directly echoes Locke's philosophy. The Constitution's emphasis on a system of checks and balances between the branches of government also reflects the influence of republicanism and the concept of civic virtue, which prioritises the rights, responsibilities, and participation of citizens within a republic.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution was influenced by several political philosophies, including republicanism, civic virtue, and natural rights. The works of John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Montesquieu were particularly influential, with Locke's ideas on natural rights and consent of the governed shaping the minds of the Framers.
John Locke, an English philosopher, believed in innate and inalienable rights that individuals possess simply by being human, such as life, liberty, and property. These rights were inherent and not granted by any government or external entity. Locke's social contract theory held that legitimate government power stems from the consent of the governed, and that government's duty is to protect the rights of its citizens.
In addition to Locke, the Framers were influenced by Thomas Hobbes, whose book "Leviathan" argued that people are incapable of ruling themselves and need a strong leader. Later philosophers like Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Rousseau were more optimistic about democracy and encouraged the questioning of absolute monarchs. Montesquieu, in particular, proposed a separation of powers into branches of government.
The Enlightenment of 17th-century Europe had a significant impact on the framers of the Constitution. The ideas of the French Enlightenment philosophes, such as liberty, equality, and justice, strongly influenced the American revolutionaries. The writings of Voltaire, Rousseau, and other Enlightenment thinkers encouraged the questioning of absolute monarchy and promoted democratic ideals.
Civic virtue played an important role in shaping the Framers' vision for the American republic. Drawing from classical traditions and the works of Cicero, the Framers emphasized the common good and the responsibilities of citizens within a republic. The establishment of a republican form of government, with its system of checks and balances, was intended to temper the passions of the populace and encourage transparency and accountability in governance.
