How well do today's governments represent the ideals of the Enlightenment? Is American society "enlightened" enough to offer liberty and justice for all? What about other governments in the world? In your course's discussion area, answer both of these questions, and respond respectfully to some of your classmate's answers. In your post, consider these aspects of Enlightenment thinking:

According to Enlightenment ideals, governments are only valid when they fulfill their part of the social contract: if a government violates people's rights without cause or without providing any benefits, then the people are justified in replacing the government.

the power of the aristocracy (Do we have an aristocracy in America today? If so, what kind of power do they have?)

the power of citizens (What role do citizens play in controlling or influencing the government? Who is allowed to have this power, and who is not?)

the political process (Who makes the laws in governments today? Who decides who makes the laws?)