The American Forefathers were greatly influenced by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a stalwart of Enlightenment. His social contract theory had enormous impact on the role of the government in the American society. His political beliefs form the basis of the omnipotent American Constitution. Also, quite a number of eminent figures of the history of America have been influenced by Rousseau’s philosophy.
Rousseau believed that the paramount authority lies with the common people and thus championed democracy. He states in The Social Contract that man comes in this world free. Also, controls which are governed by a freely formed governmental institution are good. Consent to form government means losing self-interest and people retain rights after the government is formed. Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address and James Madison in the Madison First Amend have exuded the shadow of Rousseau’s political thoughts in their speeches. The beginning of the Constitution of the United States of America is the most conspicuous testimony to the paramount influence of Rousseau’s social contract theory on the society. At the very inception in the preamble, the constitution states that the aim is to form a perfect union and establish a land of justice. Also, the constitution aims at providing for the common defense and promotion of common welfare. Thus, the Constitution begins as a vehement declaration of the social pact which reflects the philosophy of Rousseau.
While going through the works of Enlightenment, it becomes very clear to one how this period ignited its influence on the American society and political dais. Rousseau’s theory formed the pillar of the American social order. America’s Forefathers toiled hard based on the quintessential thoughts of the philosopher.
Works Cited
Norton, James R. Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Advocate of Government by Consent. New York: The
Rosen Publishing Group, 2006. Print.
