1.3 - Theories of Power

American Philosophical Roots

The men who wrote the Declaration of Indepence and the U.S Constitution were familiar with the writings of many famous European political philosophers.  Some of these natural rights philosophers' ideas can be found either directly or indirectly expressed in these famous American documents.

Examine the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.  What ideas have we borrowed from each philosopher?

• Hobbes
• Locke
• Rousseau
• Montesquieu

Each group should log in and contribute the concepts which have influence the American government.