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How Did John Locke Contribute To The Formation Of The Constitution

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The founding of the constitution for America was founded on a number of ideas such as the Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, Virginia Bill of Rights and Articles of Confederation. Not only were these documents a key part to the forming of the constitution, but also the philosophies of those such as Locke and Montesquieu. The impact on the world around America at that time also made a huge impact. The influences from British government that lead the revolt for America’s independence. America was formed by so many different influences, ideas and philosophies that we are able to see that in our Constitution. From Great Britain, to John Locke, to Montesquieu each of these groups had an influence that lead to the making …show more content…

One of these views is that it is an individual natural right to private property. An idea that is practically same as our fifth amendment. Which states, “... nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation”. Without due process. This also leads into another idea of limited government by Locke. His view is that the limited government should secure life, liberty and estate. Which is almost identical to the phrase in The Declaration of Independence which states “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. Thomas Jefferson got this phrase from John Locke because Locke connects property with happiness. With both phrases being something that no person or government can take away from an individual. As for Montesquieu, in his writing he differentiates the different types of government and the pros and cons of them. These types …show more content…

Because of the unfair treatment the colonies received, they understood that the government they developed can not be like that of Great Britain. Therefore, the laws and ideas the shaped early America were not that of Great Britain’s because they saw all the negative aspects of it. Because of this, it lead to key phrases such as “natural rights” and “consent of the governed to be in the U.S. Declaration of Independence which influenced the

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