The Founding Fathers of the United States relied heavily on many of the principles taught by John Locke. Many of the principles of Locke's Second Treatise of Government can easily be discovered in the Declaration of Independence, with some minor differences in wording and order. Many ideas about the proper role of government, as found in the Constitution of the United States, can be discovered in the study of Locke. In order to understand the founding of the United States, it is essential to study Locke. We can find some ideas from Hume, but the real influence comes from Locke. Rousseau, on the other hand, had none. A few examples of similarities between the Declaration and Locke's Second Treatise of Government will suffice to show the importance of Locke. Some of the most important sentences in the Declaration appear to be those of Locke. Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration, after declaring the purpose of government and if it fails to achieve its objectives, that "the people have the right to alter or abolish it", to form a new one in such a way that “it will have an effect”. their security and happiness. Locke said of governmental purposes that "whenever this end is manifestly neglected or opposed, confidence must necessarily be lost, and the power returns into the hands of those who gave it, who can put it back where they will judge best for their safety. and security” (Locke 1690, Ch. XIII, P.149). Jefferson then declared "that humanity is more disposed to suffer, while evils are bearable, than to destroy itself by abolishing the forms to which it is accustomed," due to "a long succession of abuses." Locke wrote: “the people, who are more disposed to suffer than to right themselves by resistance, ... middle of paper ... stand is made with the whole, without individual. The contract is equal, because everyone gives everything. No one reserves the right to claim to judge his own conduct” (Strauss and Cropsey 1987: 568). In conclusion, Locke strongly influenced the founders of the United States. The rights of man to the preservation of his property, life and liberty were guaranteed through these ideas. Hume, although skeptical, would not be as skeptical today, because there is now a history of government with the consent of the governed. Rousseau's ideas were defeated by Locke's ideas. Works Cited Locke, John. “Second Treatise on Civil Government.” Constitutional society. 1690. http://www.constitution.org/jl/2ndtr02.htm (accessed March 31, 2011). Strauss, Leo and Joseph Cropsey. History of political philosophy. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1987.