Baron de Montesquieu was a French Enlightenment philosopher who developed the notion of separation of powers and checks and balances, arguing that governmental power should be divided between legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Voltaire was another influential French Enlightenment philosopher who focused on civil liberties like freedom of speech and religion, writing extensively about reason, religious tolerance, separation of church and state, and free thought. Both philosophers had an influence on the development of the American system of government.

1. Two More Philosophers!

2. Baron De Montesquieu
 Montesquieu was an Enlightenment philosopher
from France.
 Montesquieu helped develop the notion of
“separation of powers” and “checks and balances.”

3. Separation of Powers means….
 The concept of
separation of powers
means that
governmental power is
divided between
different groups.
 This would keep anyone
group from having too
much power.

4. Does this affect us?
 Montesquieu argued that
power should be
separated between a
legislative (law making)
branch, an executive
(monarch) branch, and a
judicial (court) branch.
 America is designed like
this.

5. Voltaire
 Yet another Frenchman!
 Another famous
Enlightenment
philosopher.
 Famous Quotes:
 “Think for yourselves and
let others enjoy the
privilege to do so too”.
 “I have only ever made
one prayer to God, a very
short one: „O Lord, make
my enemies ridiculous.‟
And God granted it.”

6. Focus?
 Focused on civil liberties
(people‟s rights).
 Freedom of speech
 Freedom of religion

7. So what did he
do with
himself?
He wrote a LOT
about:
 About the use
of reason
 Religious
tolerance
 Separation of
Church and
State
 Free Thought

8. His Influence on Us?