John Locke was the first to propose the idea that individuals are borne with natural rights prior to the existence of government and it is the government that ought to safeguard those rights. ... Statesman, diplomat, legislature and future president Thomas Jefferson, undoubtedly influenced by Locke, Smith and Paine issued the Declaration of Independence, which led to the eventual adoption of Libertarian principles. ...

• Word Count: 7038
• Approx Pages: 28
• Grade Level: Undergraduate