Which philosopher's ideas influenced the Founders regarding natural rights?

John Locke's ideas had a profound influence on the Founding Fathers concerning the concept of natural rights. Locke proposed that individuals are born with certain inalienable rights, specifically the rights to life, liberty, and property. He argued that the primary role of government is to protect these rights, and if a government fails to do so, the people have the right to revolt and establish a new government.

This notion resonated deeply with the Founders, who incorporated these principles into foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence. The assertion that "all men are created equal" and have unalienable rights derived directly from Locke's theory. His philosophy established a framework emphasizing individual rights and limited government, which became cornerstones of American political thought and directly influenced the creation of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

In contrast, while the other philosophers mentioned contributed to political theory, their ideas did not focus on the same foundational natural rights that significantly shaped American governance.