Constitution of 1787: Philosophical Underpinnings

by Emily Flynn and Harry the Hedgehog

Philosophies● Enlightenment

o Intellectual movemento John Lockeo Montesquieu

● Classical liberalism

Enlightenment● 17th - 18th centuries, mainly Europe● Humans: rational, capable of thought

o Locke: men learn from experienceo Democracy based on natural rights

● Montesquieu: divided governmento Legislative, executive, judicial

Classical Liberalism● Protection/enhancement of individual rights

o Part of human natureo Men created equal (Declaration of Independence)

● Government:o Necessary evil (Thomas Paine, Common Sense)o Does not give citizens rights

● Economic liberties = Civil liberties

Bibliographyhttp://www.nytimes.com/1987/05/25/us/behind-the-scenes-in-1787-secrecy-in-the-heat.htmlhttp://www.ncpa.org/pdfs/whatisclassicalliberalism.pdfhttp://www.belmont.edu/lockesmith/liberalism_essay/the_rise1.html (?)http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/188441/Enlightenment http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-car0Eh1ocAA/TmEHu3tD3eI/AAAAAAAAALg/xxEizSgUOgI/s1600/baby-hedgehog.pnghttp://www.twoheartsdesign.com/images/clipart/misc/USFlag/USA4.gif http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/339173/liberalism http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/montesquieu/