The Impact of the Enlightenment on the United States Constitution
John Locke was an English philosopher during the enlightenment, and we still read and reference his works today. John Locke is known as the "Father of Liberalism", and was an inspirer of the United States Constitution. John Locke's influence on the enlightenment and the United States Constitution still have an effect on us today. His forward-thinking and strong beliefs about the contract between citizens and tolerance have helped shaped our nation.
Without the United States Constitution, we would not have the same set of basic rules and expectations. The three branches of government and checks and balances were created during the discussions for the Constitution. John Locke and other important figures understood the importance of setting up a strong government to ensure that they did not go back to the type of government they were growing apart from. During the time of the enlightenment, citizens realized that they were not happy with the governments they had. When the United States Constitution was created, the creators made rules to help mold a new form of government that fits their new way of thinking.
If the United States Constitution was written during a different time period, we would not have the government we have today. Each era had a different form of ideas and views, so the fact that the Constitution was written during the time of the enlightenment is important. Without the influence of our founders and the ideas of the enlightenment, our current world could drastically be different. Each era in history has had an impact on how we view our world today and how we run our country.
I enjoy how you explain that if the constitution were written during different time period then it would not be the same, but you may want to include what beliefs would have restricted them from creating the constitution at this time. For example prior to the enlightenment most common people did not have the intelligence to understand the benefits of this form of government. Due to the lack of understanding of advanced governments the common people would revert back to their prior gov.t because the constitution would have no support.
ReplyDeleteI think your analysis does a great job of highlighting the major influence the Enlightenment had on the development of our country. Although the cultural movement is linked to Europe, its ideals and great thinkers impacted even those overseas. I also centered my post around John Locke and his work. His ideas of liberty and opinions on government are echoed in our Constitution as you state in your analysis. I agree that our nation would be very much different if these rules and laws were created at a different time.
ReplyDeleteHey Lenard! I really enjoy reading your blog! Since I've never heard of John Locke before, I learn a lot from reading it. Also, you made some really good points there and I totally agree with you when you said "Each era had a different form of ideas and views, so the fact that the Constitution was written during the time of the enlightenment is important." I also think that the Enlightenment movement is very crucial to our society. Overall, your blog is well put out with proper paragraph structure and great insight. Good job!
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