The declaration of independence was greatly influenced by the idea of Enlightenment. Jefferson’s view on government when
he was writing the Declaration came from the enlightenment. In the declaration,
it says that the governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers
from the consent of the governed. The Enlightenment thinkers believed that no
one had the power to rule and that governments were only legitimate if the
people agreed to be ruled by that government. John Locke thought that the governments only job of was to protect life, liberty and
property. This is found in the declaration when it is said that among these are
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This is the idea of obligation. The
Enlightenment thinkers thought that all humans have rights and is shown in the
declaration of independence when it is said that all men are created equal.
John Locke emphasized the importance of individual rights. The declaration of
independence had many ideas from the enlightenment period, especially from
philosopher John Locke.
