ENLIGHTENMENT IDEAS ABOUT GOVERNMENT

Enlightenment Ideas

Popular Sovereignty Popular = many Sovereignty = power The people give the government all of its

power

Sources of Government’s Power Consent of governed; will of the majority

Enlightenment Ideas

Government and the Economy Laissez-faire Free market

Goal of Government Material well-being Social justice

Purpose of Government To protect natural rights

Enlightenment Ideas

When Government Fails People have right to overthrow the

government Power of Government

Debate: absolute or limited power? Structure of Government

Separation of powers Checks and balances