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John Locke's ideas on Social Contracts and Natural rights influenced the Founding Fathers. He redefined the ideas of the nature of government, Lockes ideas help create the Declaration of Independence. John Locke greatly influenced the creation of the Declaration of Independence. Locke's proposal about the government protecting people's natural rights. The natural rights are; life, liberty, and property. The theory was if the government could not defend the people's natural rights, citizens could overthrow the government. It was a Social Contract; the government had a duty to serve the citizens by protecting their rights. Locke's statement for all men having the right to "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Property, was altered in the Declaration of Independence. His views about natural rights greatly influence Thomas Jefferson, as he outlined the Declaration of Independence.

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John Locke believed in the Law of Nature every individual is equal as everyone was born with natural rights. Each individual inherits their rights when born, being life, liberty, and property. Natural rights are given by God and cannot be taken or given away under any circumstances. If the government or rulers cannot protect these rights, they can be overthrown by the people if necessary.

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Locke believed that human nature is portrayed by reason and tolerance. Every individual has a right to "preserve" their own lives; each should be entitled to their own choices as long as it doesn't interfere with the sovereignty of others. However, he reasoned that if they acted outside the law, their liberty was surrendered. This way, the government, and citizens could coexist with each other peacefully. Everyone was free with their actions, as long as it was within the law of nature.

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John Locke believed in limited government; the government shouldn't hold all the power because of individual rights. Locke reasoned that a limited government would be in everyone's best interest in protecting their rights. The government cannot interfere with the rights of an individual. It allows the people to turn away from their government when it abuses citizens' natural rights. A limited government would fulfill the role of protecting and enforcing rights.

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John Locke thought education was needed for gentlemen and must have a knowledge of their own language. Education's main purpose was to create a person's mind with a sound body. It essentially would allow them to serve better in their country. Not just for the sound of mind and body, but it depended on the circumstances of the person's life. Also, believing education restricted the development of children's humanity. Mainly, believing men only needed education, as it would help serve their country when leadership was needed. Locke suggested the introduction of new courses such as; history, geography, math, and science. That in order to be successful every gentleman must receive an education to help them in society.

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John Locke believes understanding the external world is grasping the idea of "real existence". It is referring to knowing something exists, without using your imagination to comprehend it. That three different thing exists and we know what they are. The first being, our existence; we can identify our existence at any time during the day. Second, knowing the existence of God, that he is proven to exist. Finally, we understand the existence of others;acknowledging the presence of some things other than ourselves.