Explain the ideas of John Locke and how they had influence on the foundation of the United States through Thomas Jefferson. It must be 3 - 5 sentences long

John Locke was an Enlightenment philosopher who developed a theory of a social contract in which citizens gave up some of their natural freedoms in return for property protection. He believed that Government existed to protect "life, liberty, and property." Jefferson was greatly influenced by this and the early American leaders had many debates about what the role of government should be. Jefferson would steal from Locke when he wrote about "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"