The Age of Enlightenment and its Influences

Multiple Choice

Which of the following Enlightenment thinkers is the earliest, known for his work on political philosophy and advocating for a strong central government?

• John Locke

• Montesquieu

• Thomas Hobbes

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Multiple Choice

Which Enlightenment thinker, born in 1689, developed the concept of the separation of powers that influenced the structure of the U.S. Constitution?

• Voltaire

• Montesquieu

• David Hume

• René Descartes

Multiple Choice

What is a "social contract"?

• A social contract is a type of social media agreement.
• A social contract is a legal document signed by citizens.
• A social contract is a financial contract between businesses.
• A social contract is an implicit agreement among members of a society to cooperate for social benefits.

Open Ended

Explain what is meant by "checks and balances."

Multiple Choice

Based on context, what is the meaning of "tyranny"?

• A peaceful resolution to conflicts
• Oppressive government rule or unjust exercise of power.
• A form of democracy
• Fair and just governance

Match

Match the enlightenment idea to the influence on the Bill of Rights.

• Natural Rights (Locke)

• Freedom of Speech & Religion (Voltaire)

• Social Contract (Locke, Rousseau)

• Separation of Powers (Montesquieu)

• Due Process & Protection from Govt Overreach (Locke)

Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness

1st Amendment: Freedom of Speech, etc

Govt derives power from citizens

Legislative, Executive, Judicial Branch

Protection from unreasonable searches

• Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness

• 1st Amendment: Freedom of Speech, etc

• Govt derives power from citizens

• Legislative, Executive, Judicial Branch

• Protection from unreasonable searches

Open Ended

Which Enlightenment idea do you think had the greatest impact on American democracy? Why?

Multiple Choice

According to Locke, why do individuals choose to give up some of their natural liberty to form a society?

• To submit to an all-powerful ruler who controls their rights

• To ensure safety, order, and protection of property

• To escape from work and responsibilities

• To eliminate all forms of government and live in complete freedom

Open Ended

Summarize what you have learned about John Locke's writing.

Multiple Choice

What key political principle is Montesquieu advocating for in this passage?

• Absolute monarchy

• Divine right of kings

• Direct democracy

• Separation of powers

Multiple Choice

According to Montesquieu, what is the danger of combining the legislative and executive powers in one person or body?

• The government will become too weak to enforce laws.

• The people will have too much influence over government.

• It may lead to tyranny, as the ruler could create and enforce unjust laws.

• It will cause frequent elections and instability.

Multiple Choice

Which feature of the U.S. Constitution directly reflects Montesquieu’s ideas in this passage?

• The Bill of Rights

• The system of federalism

• The division of government into three branches

• The power of the president to declare war

Open Ended

In your own words, explain how Montesquieu influenced the three branches of government.

Multiple Choice

What is Rousseau referring to when he mentions the “general will” in this excerpt?

• The personal opinions of individual citizens

• The authority of the king to rule over his people

• The collective good that benefits all members of society

• The influence of religious leaders in government

Multiple Choice

Which political idea is best supported by Rousseau’s argument in this excerpt?

• Popular sovereignty

• Absolute monarchy

• Divine right of kings

• Laissez-faire capitalism

Multiple Choice

What argument does Voltaire make in the extended excerpt regarding religious tolerance?

• People should only tolerate those who share their beliefs.

• Religious groups should separate themselves to avoid conflict.

• All humans, regardless of religion or nationality, should be treated as equals.

• Religious leaders should have more political power.

Multiple Choice

Which amendment in the U.S. Bill of Rights reflects Voltaire’s ideas in this excerpt?

• First Amendment – Freedom of Religion and Speech

• Second Amendment – Right to Bear Arms

• Fourth Amendment – Protection from Unreasonable Searches

• Tenth Amendment – States’ Rights

Open Ended

Both John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed in the social contract, but they had different views on how government should function.

Discussion Question:

Should governments prioritize protecting individual rights (Locke) or serving the collective good (Rousseau)? Explain your reasoning.

Open Ended

Voltaire famously defended freedom of speech and religious tolerance, believing that all people should have the right to express their ideas.

Discussion Question:

Should there be limits on free speech, such as banning hate speech or misinformation? Where should the line be drawn? Explain your reasoning.

Open Ended

Enlightenment thinkers laid the foundation for democracy, human rights, and individual freedoms, but these ideas continue to evolve.

Discussion Question:

Which Enlightenment idea (natural rights, social contract, separation of powers, free speech) do you think has had the most lasting impact on today’s world? Why? Explain your reasoning.