Lesson 22 of 84 · Natural Law
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic Squarenatural-law: Lesson 22
The Enlightenment period was crucial in advancing the principles of natural law and rights.
🎯 Your mission
Decide what YOU would do in their shoes.
⚡ The twist
Not voting is also a vote.
Mind = Blown
🤯 In ancient Athens, 'democracy' only included about 10% of the people.
Then & Now
🏛️ Knowing this makes you a better voter when you grow up.
The Enlightenment period was crucial in advancing the principles of natural law and rights. Thinkers like Rousseau and Montesquieu expanded on these ideas, emphasizing the social contract and separation of powers. Rousseau believed that a government should reflect the general will of the people, while Montesquieu advocated for a system of checks and balances to prevent tyranny. These philosophies contributed to revolutionary movements, including the American and French Revolutions, as they provided a framework for challenging absolute monarchies.
Key Facts
Rousseau emphasized the general will of the people in governance.
Montesquieu advocated for separation of powers in government.
Enlightenment ideas influenced the American and French Revolutions.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What did Rousseau believe about government?
Why this still matters
Your school has rules. Where do they come from? Who decides them?
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
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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