The Enlightenment Philosophers, but especially John Locke, influenced Thomas Jefferson as he drafted the Declaration of Independence.
Locke was a major proponent of the belief that humans have natural rights and that we enter into a social contract in return for giving up some liberty to the government in exchange for protection of the natural rights.
Jefferson used this belief when he wrote about "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" cribbing Locke's "life, liberty, and the pursuit of property"
1. Many make the argument that Richard Nixon was the last "liberal" Republican president, considering opening up of trade and signing into law massive environmental policies.
2. Many consider FDR to be the moment that the Democratic party switched from a more agrarian conservative party to the modern "liberal" party that it is today. As I mentioned with your other question, this occurred after Progressives that had split after Teddy Roosevelt last found their new home in the Democratic party. A similar drift would occur as Richard Nixon used the Southern Strategy to peel southern Democrats away and towards the new Republican party
3. Many consider Ronald Reagan to be the first true modern conservative President. Reagan embraced many of the tenets of the failed Goldwater presidential run and is still hailed as the gold standard for Conservative presidents.
4. Many consider Lyndon Johnson to be our most reliably liberal presidents. Johnson took the New Deal programs and expanded them with his "War on Poverty" but his legacy was ultimately complicated by the war in Vietnam.
Direct rule
Indirect rule
Protectorate
Annexation
Sphere of influence
