At the time period, the founding fathers of the United States were heavily influenced by the philosophies of Montesquieu and John Locke. Montesquieu proposed a system of checks and balances by which one aspect of government would not and frankly, could not, possess too much power. The founding fathers accepted this idea thoroughly, as is evidenced by our current governmental system and the three branches. The Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches are all designed so that one branch will never exceed the other branches, Montesquieu influenced Benjamin Franklin in particular as he traveled to France frequently. Moreover, John Locke proposed the social contract. Essentially, the social contract states that a government must secure the rights of its citizens. In the event that it fails to do so, the citizens then have the right to rebel and overthrow such a government. The natural rights which he spoke of referred to a citizens right to life, liberty, and property. The founding fathers took his philosophy to heart, especially Thomas Jefferson. He made a slight variation though on Locke's natural rights, writing instead that citizens have the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
<span>The Second Continental Congress was divided by differing beliefs on where the central strength of the government should lie. Some members believed that the national government should be the focus of governmental power, while others were of the opinion that the national government should be less involved and allow state and local governments to have the most power.</span>
The purpose of the National Assembly is to debate and pass bills.
John Locke left his legacy on the United States of America.
