Comparing Locke And Rousseau

Throughout history, several social contracts have shaped societies; however, certain Enlightenment ideas presented by various philosophers contributed to the modern social contract that is shown in the U.S Constitution. The advancement of civilization in the Enlightenment period provided the foundation for well known works recognized today that have influenced the ideas of how society should be organized and governed. Through the philosophical works of John Locke and Jean-Jacqueus Rousseau, particularly Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" and Rousseau's "The Social Contract" influenced the principles embodied in the U.S. Constitution. One of the ways within the constitution that Locke's ideas were translated into was in the First Amendment.
Constitution | Constitution Annotated | Congress.gov | Library of Congress”) Similarly, Locke shares the same idea where he states, “Equally with any other man, or number of men in the world, has by nature a power not only to preserve his property — that is, his life, liberty, and estate.” (Locke) In relation to the two outlooks it shows that Locke's idea of equality and freedom of men's natural rights for all were implemented within this first amendment. In addition, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, author of “Declaration of Sentiments and Resolution” also had closely aligned views with Locke. As a social activist she provided a similar value as Locke when she wrote, “That they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” (Stanton) Locke and Stanton's views are closely aligned with the protections demonstrated in this
This idea is shown through his novel where Locke states, “Committed among the members of that society (which is the power of making laws), as well as it has the power to punish any injury done unto any of its members by any one that is not of it (which is the power of war and peace); and all this for the preservation of the property of all the members of that society, as far as is possible. ” (Locke) Therefore, because of his belief in separation of powers, this explains how John Locke could be viewed as an early democrat because of his views on equality in government and through the rights of the people. In relation to the Constitution, Articles I, II, and III outline the power and responsibilities of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches which allows for each role in the government to be equal and fair in power. This embodies the idea of Locke's philosophy of separation of powers as well as providing a system of checks and balances, preventing any single branch from gaining excessive power. Locke's support for a balanced government system laid the groundwork for the democratic framework that is a strong characteristic in the United States