Enlightenment Thinkers and Government Structure

Front

Voltaire

Back

Wrote more than 70 books, attacked politicians who wanted absolute monarchy, fought for freedom of speech and religion.

Front

Montesquieu

Back

Believed in separation of powers and checks and balances, influenced the U.S. Constitution.

Front

Rousseau

Back

Passionately committed to individual freedom, developed a political philosophy called 'The Social Contract'.

Front

Beccaria

Back

Italian philosopher focused on the justice system, advocated for punishment based on the seriousness of the crime, and argued that capital punishment should be abolished.

Front

Thomas Hobbes

Back

Believed people were naturally selfish and wicked, supported absolute monarchy.

Front

John Locke

Back

Believed people are naturally good and can learn from their mistakes, advocated for the three natural rights: life, liberty, and property.

Front

Mary Wollstonecraft

Back

Fought for education for women.

Front

Three Branches of Government

Back

legislative, executive and judicial

Front

Legislative

Back

US Congress, state laws, city council.

Front

judicial

Back

US Supreme Court, State Supreme Court, local court.