History of North America

Whose ideas did Jefferson draw upon while drafting the declaration of independence?

1. John Locke

- Natural rights of life, liberty, and property.

- Consent of the governed.

- Government should protect these rights.

2. Montesquieu

- Separation of powers: executive, legislative, judicial.

- Checks and balances to prevent abuse of power.

3. Rousseau

- General will > individual

- Social contract between people/gov: voluntary surrender of freedoms for security benefits of living in society