John Locke (1632-1704) was an influential English philosopher born in Somerset, England. He studied at Oxford University and participated in Christ Church. Locke wrote extensively on political philosophy and education, helping form modern western philosophy. He proposed separating government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Locke's ideas on civil rights and property ownership influenced the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution. His conception of legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government remains evident in American politics today.