1. John Locke: Jefferson shared Locke's belief in the natural rights of individuals, including the rights to life, liberty, and property. These ideas are reflected in the Declaration's assertion that "all men are created equal" and have unalienable rights.
2. Baron de Montesquieu: Jefferson was inspired by Montesquieu's concept of separation of powers among the branches of government. This idea is reflected in the Declaration's statement that "to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
3. William Blackstone: Jefferson was influenced by Blackstone's legal writings on the English common law tradition. Blackstone's emphasis on the importance of due process and the protection of individual liberties resonated with Jefferson's views on the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
Jefferson also drew upon classical Greek and Roman philosophy, as well as the writings of Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Diderot. He synthesized these influences into a declaration that emphasized individual rights, limited government, and the right of the people to alter or abolish their government.