Lesson 6 of 84 · Natural Law
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic Squarenatural-law: Lesson 6
The Enlightenment period saw a proliferation of ideas around natural law that significantly influenced revolutions, such as the American and French Revolutions.
🎯 Your mission
Learn how the rule got made — and who it serves.
⚡ The twist
Laws change. Power changes who gets to change them.
Mind = Blown
🤯 Women in New Zealand could vote 27 years before women in the US.
Then & Now
🏛️ Knowing this makes you a better voter when you grow up.
The Enlightenment period saw a proliferation of ideas around natural law that significantly influenced revolutions, such as the American and French Revolutions. Enlightenment philosophers argued that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed, and when they fail to protect natural rights, the people have the right to overthrow them. This perspective fueled revolutionary fervor, as individuals sought to establish governments that reflected their inherent rights and moral values. The rhetoric of natural law was pivotal in rallying support for these movements and justifying the desire for change.
Key Facts
Natural law ideas fueled the American and French Revolutions.
Philosophers argued that governments must protect natural rights.
People have the right to overthrow governments that fail to uphold these rights.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What significant revolutions were influenced by natural law ideas?
Why this still matters
Your school has rules. Where do they come from? Who decides them?
Stretch Challenge
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Watch a town meeting or council clip on YouTube for 5 minutes.
For the dinner table
“What's one rule at our house you'd change if you could vote on it?”
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