- Natural rights of life, liberty, and property.
- Consent of the governed.
The English Bill of Rights (1689):
- Right to petition the government.
- Right to a fair trial.
- Freedom of speech and assembly.
The Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776):
- Right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
- Right to change or abolish government.
The writings of other Enlightenment thinkers:
- Montesquieu: Separation of powers.
- Voltaire: Freedom of religion and speech.
- Rousseau: The social contract.