Answer:
The Declaration of Independence is heavily influenced by the ideas of several Enlightenment philosophers, particularly John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Baron de Montesquieu.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Locke
- Natural rights:
Locke believed that individuals have certain natural rights, such as the right to life, liberty, and property, that are inherent in their nature and cannot be taken away by government.
These ideas are reflected in the Declaration's statement that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
- Consent of the governed:
Locke believed that government derives its legitimacy from the consent of the governed.
This means that the people have the right to overthrow a government that does not protect their natural rights.
This idea is reflected in the Declaration's statement that "to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Social contract:
Rousseau believed that individuals come together to form a social contract, in which they agree to give up some of their freedom in exchange for the protection of government.
This idea is reflected in the Declaration's statement that "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
Popular sovereignty:
Rousseau believed that the ultimate authority in a society lies with the people.
This idea is reflected in the Declaration's statement that "Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed."
Baron de Montesquieu
Separation of powers:
Montesquieu believed that the best way to prevent tyranny is to separate the powers of government into three branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial.
This idea is reflected in the Declaration's statement that "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,
That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
Thus,
John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Baron de Montesquieu. heavily influenced the Declaration of Independence.