It was not until the Enlightenment that the theory and foundations for modern constitutionalism were developed by embracing and elaborating on the concept of a social contract. Key writings include those of John Locke and Thomas Hobbes in the 17th century followed by Jean-Jacques Rousseau in the 18th century. It was the work of these philosophers exploring the concept of a social contract and, especially their stress on natural rights and the proper functions of government, that support the constitution-making of the revolutionary era beginning with the U.S. War of Independence. French Spanish U.S. Constitution French Spanish Bill of Rights French Spanish International Law International law is the set of rules and norms that different countries agree to in their interactions with one another. A state has full legal status in international law when it is recognized by other states.
Recognition is a formal declaration by one nation that another exists.
In the United States, judicial independence has developed into a set of institutions that assure that judges decide according to law, rather than according to their own whims or to the will of others, including other branches of the government. These components combine to assure an independent judiciary that is the basis for a society governed by the rule of law. This site is produced and maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.