Which American political philosopher's ideas influenced the development of American political philosophy from Locke?

The development of American political philosophy, particularly in the context of the Enlightenment, was significantly influenced by the ideas of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Rousseau's concepts of the "social contract" and the general will offered a new perspective that expanded upon John Locke's theories regarding government and individual rights. Locke emphasized natural rights and the idea that government should be based on the consent of the governed. Rousseau built on these ideas by arguing that true political authority lies in the collective will of the people, rather than solely in individual rights.

Rousseau's belief in participatory democracy and the importance of the community in shaping ethical and political decisions resonated with the framers of the American political system. His influence can be seen in the emphasis on popular sovereignty found in the foundations of American democracy, where the legitimacy of government is derived from the consent of the people.

This philosophical background established a framework that encouraged the development of democratic ideals, making Rousseau’s theories critical to the evolution of American political thought.