Constitution, he argued for popular sovereignty, the right of rebellion against oppression, and toleration of religious minorities. ... For Voltaire as for the French philosopher and dramatist Denis Diderot, the state is a machine for the creation of happiness and a positive instrument designed to check a strong nobility and a strong church, the two forces they considered most uncompromisingly dedicated to the conservation of old institutions. ... His essay "On Liberty" (1859) is one of the most eloquent defenses of free speech. ... Despite a prevalent tendency to find fault with the U.S., E...

• Word Count: 788
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Graduate

Each branch should be, for the most part, in Madison's opinion, independent. ... Beard argues that the Constitution was essentially an economic document based upon the concept that the fundamental private rights of property are anterior to government and morally beyond the reach of popular majorities. ...

• Word Count: 329
• Approx Pages: 1
• Grade Level: Graduate

The executive integrity of the parliament was stained with seemingly commonplace allegations of corruption, bribery, and graft.8 Popular opinion of the democratic organ appeared low; it was held that politicians used power for their own gains, standing against the people rather than the old absolutist bastions of court and corporation9. ...

• Word Count: 2458
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: Graduate