Which Enlightenment philosopher is most influential on the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence is heavily influenced by the ideas of John Locke, particularly his concepts of natural rights and government by consent. Locke argued that individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and property, and that the primary role of government is to protect these rights. This notion directly resonates with the Declaration, which emphasizes the idea that all men are created equal and endowed with certain unalienable rights.

Additionally, Locke maintained that if a government fails to protect these rights, the people have the right to alter or abolish it. This foundational belief is mirrored in the Declaration of Independence, where the colonists expressed their justification for breaking away from British rule, citing the failure of the monarchy to fulfill its role in safeguarding their liberties.

While other Enlightenment thinkers like Rousseau, Voltaire, and Hobbes contributed important ideas, Locke's philosophies on individual rights and the social contract are particularly crucial in understanding the ideological groundwork of the Declaration of Independence.