40 likes | 215 Views
The Enlightenment: Rousseau & Beccaria. How do Rousseau & Beccaria influence Western Democracy?. Jean-Jacques Rousseau 1712-1778, born in Geneva, lived in France Believed Equality & direct democracy Wrote On the Social Contract Influences: Direct Voting, 13 th Amendment
E N D
The Enlightenment:Rousseau & Beccaria How do Rousseau & Beccaria influence Western Democracy?
Jean-Jacques Rousseau • 1712-1778, born in Geneva, lived in France • Believed Equality & direct democracy • Wrote On the Social Contract • Influences: Direct Voting, 13th Amendment • Rousseau believed only good govt was one that was freely formed by the people & guided by general will of the people (what is best) • Rousseau’s social contract is an agreement amongst the people • People may have to give up what may be best for them for the good of the entire state, & laws will protect rights • Famous quote: “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains”. • Ideas help start the French Revolution
Cesare Beccaria • 1738-1794, born in Italian States (Milan, Lombardy) • Believed in a good system of justice • Wrote On Crimes & Punishment • Influences Judicial Review & US BOR “legal rights” • Believes people are entitled to a fair & speedy trial • Believed that we have laws & punishments to keep ordernot to avenge crimes • Punishment should be based on the seriousness of the crime • However, Beccaria believed that cruelty/torture should never be used, so he was opposed to capital punishment (death penalty) • Famous quote: “the punishment should fit the crime” • Wrote Judicial branch should review laws against the constitution Question: Do you agree with Rousseau’s idea of general will and Beccaria’s idea of the punishment should fit the crime? Why/why not?