The
English philosopher John Locke, has had a monumental impact on the formation of
modern democratic governments. It is well known that Thomas Jefferson was an
admirer of John Locke’s philosophy and that portions of the Declaration of Independence
can be attributed to Locke’s philosophy.
Perhaps the most famous line from the Declaration of Independence is one that asserts
that every human has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. However,
many people do not realize that Locke’s influence is well represented in the
United States Constitution itself. Paul Strathern notes, “it is the anti-heroes
such as Machiavelli, Louis XIV (“I am the state”), and Marx who grab the
limelight. Yet it is Locke whose ideas are embodied in the United States
Constitution, the British constitution (as well as the constitutions of its
former colonies throughout the globe), And even for a brief period the French
constitution” (Strathern, 1999, p.34). Although the framers of the United
States Constitution had many influences, John Locke’s life and beliefs are the
most influential factor because his beliefs and philosophy’s are engrained in
the Constitution.