Ancient Greek and Roman Thinkers
The founding fathers read the work of the ancient thinkers a great deal. Their thinking in philosophy, science and government influenced them heavily.
Montesquieu (1689-1755)
Montesquieu is famous for his theory of separation of powers, which is implemented in many nations' constitutions. He is also known for doing more than any other author to secure the place "despotism" in the political lexicon. He was a lawyer and a philosopher in the late 17th century in France.
John Locke
John Locke was an English philosopher & physician, widely regarded as one of the most influential of Enlightenment thinkers and commonly known as the "Father of Liberalism". His contributions to classical republicanism & liberal theory are seen in the Declaration of Independence.
Deism
Many of the founding fathers subscribed to Deist beliefs. Men like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were Deists.
John Locke's Work
Limited government is a concept in political philosophy in which governmental power is restricted by law, usually in a written constitution. It is a key concept in the history of liberalism. The U.S. constitution represents an important milestone in limiting of governmental power. The earliest use of the term limited government dates back to King James VI and I in the late 16th century.[
George Whitefield (1714-1770)
George Whitefield was the poster child for the Great Awakening. He led revivals up and down the Eastern Seabord in the 1730s and 1740s. He was charismatic and preached with such conviction that people could not resist his message. Even Deist Benjamin Franklin donated money to Whitefield's minstry!
Gilbert & William Tennent
The Tennents were a father-son team who were also itinerant preachers during the Great Awakening in the colonies in the 1730s and 1740s.
The Wesley Brothers
John and Charles Wesley were ministers who established the Methodist church in the early 18th century. They were responsible for bringing George Whitefield to the colonies to work in the Bethesda Orphanage in Savannah. From Savannah the Wesleys and Whitefield parted ways when Whitefield went north to begin his revivals.