John Locke's Second Treatise On Government

Many laws citizens of America abide by today trace back to the philosophical ideas of Enlightenment thinkers from the 17th century. During this time period, the scientific revolution and absolutism sparked a movement in which new ideas and thoughts promoted challenging the government. People believed that if they could understand human nature, they could form the ideal government to rule over the people. Many different thinkers presented their own thoughts and beliefs on the people and their natural rights, along with how the people should be ruled. Of the many Enlightenment thinkers whose philosophies are found the Constitution, John Locke and Voltaire made the greatest impact due to their contributions in protecting the people’s liberties,

V). Both Amendments III and IV also protect the people’s rights to property. The Third Amendment prevents citizens from being forced to house soldiers, and the Fourth Amendment prevents unauthorized searches and violation of property. In Locke’s Second Treatise on Government, he writes, “The legislative acts against the trust reposed in them when they endeavor to invade the property of the subject… whenever the legislators endeavor to take away and destroy the property of the people… they put themselves into a state of war with the people, who are thereupon absolved from any farther obedience” (Locke, Second Treatise). Not only does this statement defend the people’s rights to property, but it also defends the people’s right to oppose the government when the government no longer protects these rights. In his Letter Concerning Toleration, Locke states that “nobody ought to be compelled in matters of religion either by law or force,” (A Letter Concerning Toleration), corresponding with the First Amendment, which calls for freedom of religion and separation of church and state. There, it says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or

In his Philosophical Dictionary, Voltaire praises the English government for establishing certain rights to the people. He states, “The English constitution has, in fact, arrived at that point of excellence, in consequence of which all men are restored to those natural rights, which, in nearly all monarchies, they are deprived of. These rights are, entire liberty of person and property; freedom of the press; the right of being tried in all criminal cases by a jury of independent men,” (Philosophical Dictionary, Government). One of the rights he praises is the right to a fair trial, found in the Sixth Amendment. The Sixth Amendment states, “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury,” (US Const., amend. VI). In his lifetime, Voltaire also fought for the right to free speech and press. The First Amendment mentions both the freedom of speech and press, stating, “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press,” (US Const., amend. I). One of the most prominent freedoms Americans experience is free speech. With free speech, Americans have the ability to express their thoughts and ideas without government interference. The concepts Voltaire provides show significant importance. The right to fair trial ensures that all citizens