Religion has been a pillar of …show more content…
During this time, logic and reason were used to change the centuries old governmental power structures. These changes are still felt today. For example, Montesquieu, an Enlightenment philosopher, argued for separation of powers in government. Not one person should have the entire power in a government. This principle was adopted by our founding fathers, and led to the Declaration of Independence and the checks and balances system of the American government. Another philosopher, Locke, argued for natural rights and that it was the job of the government to protect those rights. The Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution envelopes these ideas. The entire system of government in America can be attributed to Enlightenment ideas and philosophies. Our government is their legacy. Furthermore, the Egyptian revolution argues for some of these same rights. The key ideas of Locke and Voltaire are fought for by the revolutionaries. Religious tolerance, natural rights, and the power of the people. The Egyptian revolution is a current day example of the lasting legacy of the