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Hobbes publishes Leviathan
The Leviathan is written as a basic explanation as to why a commonwealth may govern men and to establish the best possible government. The context is written because of Thomas Hobbes encounters with unjust political systems at the time of English Civil Wars. He also wanted the best for the American citizens. Written in 1651, Thomas Hobbes established the idea that leaders should be elected by their citizens. This concept is still used in democracy today.
Source: British Library -
Locke publishes Two Treatises on Government
Locke describes how the Legislative and Executive powers of government are essential to protecting the citizen's rights. This was written as a contrary source to Thomas Hobbes piece to justify the Glorious Revolution in France. Plus, it was a push to the contract theory. Written in 1690, this publication led to a rise in empiricism and rationalism in England at the time. Now, it is a common reference to the basic rights of citizens found in the Constitution.
Source: Constitution Society -
Rousseau Publishes The Social Contract, Emile
The social contract was written to explain why people's moral obligations are dependent upon a contract or agreement to form society. It was also an attempt to unite the liberty of the individual with the authority of the government. This was written because Rousseau wanted the public to have a positive political community.Written in 1762, the ideal of Rousseau that laws are created to protect the basic rights of citizens which is still existing today.
Source: Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy -
Beccaria publishes On Crimes and Publishments
This publication is written as a basic guide to common crimes and how the legislative system will punish for those crimes. It was intended to make changes to the U.S. criminal justice system. Written in 1764, many of the crimes mentioned in this guide still exist and the punishments are a common reference for the United States Legislative branch. Some of the ideals are also mentioned in the U.S. Constitution.
Source: Fordham University -
Montesquieu publishes The Spirit of the Laws
This publication is written as a very important political science book which was purposed to study the various forms of government in Europe and their successes. This was written because Montesquieu wanted a more liberal approach to government in France. Written in 1748, it was a primary source for the United States Constitution. It is now one of the most important sources for political sciences today.
Source: Britannica
