-
Hobbes publishes "Leviathan"
The Leviathanargued that social unity and peace are best achieved by common wealth through social contract. It said that the troubles occurring were caused through our state of nature.This chaos could be tolerated through absolute power. It set the thought that only government can hold society together. Government from then on is viewed as the manager of our selfishness and troubles we encounter through state of nature. It influenced forms of government, such as dictatorship. -
Locke published Two Treatises on Government
The document was anti-monarch that Locke created. This was named Two Treatises on Government. This work argued for civil society through natural rights rather than the rights of a king. He made it clear that people held ultimate authority and introduced the right to revolt if your government wasn't serving you. This influenced the historical Constitution; not only that but also clarified that government is a service provided and power comes from the approval of those being governed. -
Montesquieu published "The Spirits of the Laws"
Montesquieu's work stated that certain circumstances determine the type of government. He also included the thought that separate branches of government could prevent danger and corruption of power.This theory of separation of powers led to the basis of worldwide contusions. The result was the legislative, executive and judicial branches were introduced. This was the primary source for the US constitution and influenced democratic institutions after the French Revolution in Europe. -
Montesquieu published "The Spirits of the Laws"
Montesquieu's work stated that certain circumstances determine the type of government. He also included the thought that separate branches of government could prevent danger and corruption of power. This theory of separation of powers led to the basis of worldwide contusions; the legislative, executive and judicial branches were introduced. This was the primary source for the US constitution and influenced democratic institutions after the French Revolution in Europe. -
Rousseau published The Social Contract
The Social Contract embodied the theory that the morals/moral duties belonging to the citizens.These include obeying laws, are dependent upon an agreement among them and their government. It's now associated with modern moral/political theory; Rousseau said the problem of lack of freedom was fixed through this document. It said government can exist only by protection of the equality/character of people. It influenced The Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. -
Beccaria published "On Crimes and Punishment"
Beccaria finalized a essay named "On Crimes and Punishment". The main idea was the need of reform in the justice system. He spoke of the need of swift trials and abolishment of severe punishment. He also said that a better society is needed, not revenge on the criminal. It includes that severity will eventually lose its effect. His concrete thoughts changed the norms in the justice system; capital punishment was abolished in the US and it's now necessity for fair and speedy trials.