7-2.5: The Influence of the Enlightenment

How did Montesquieu's idea of separation of powers influence the American government?

• The monarchy was given no power in the United States.

• The United States was divided into federal and local governments.

• The United States divided itself into three branches of government.

• The monarchy was given veto powers in the United States.

What is the purpose of a constitution, as inspired by John Locke?

• to limit the powers of the government and deny rights to the governed

• to limit the powers of the government and protect the rights of the governed

• to increase the powers of the government and limit the rights of the governed

• to increase the powers of the government and protect the rights of the elite

Which idea in the United States Constitution was inspired by the Enlightenment?

• `The government should protect the rights of the people.

• The government should be made up of two branches.

• The government should have a president instead of a king.

• The government should have supremacy over the states.

What is the main purpose of a constitution?

• to list all the rights given to the people by the government

• to establish rules by which a government must operate

• to recognize God as the source of power for all leaders

• to grant the government unlimited power to protect the people

The American and French Revolutions were influenced by which idea expressed by Enlightenment philosophers?

• All men have natural rights that a government cannot deny them.

• Authoritarian governments are the best way to maintain an orderly society.

• The scientific method should be used to encourage new ideas.

• Governments should have unlimited power.

How did the writings of John Locke influence political revolutions in America and France?

• They argued the Catholic Church should control all governments.

• They argued that Europe should have a united government.

• They argued that democratic governments were weak.

• They argued that people have the right to overthrow their government.

How does a constitution create a limited government?

• A constitution bans the existence of royal monarchies.

• A constitution puts the power of government entirely in one branch.

• A constitution allows the government to have absolute power over the states.

• A constitution specifically outlines what powers the government has and does not have.

How has John Locke's concept of the social contract been implemented in the United States?

• Citizens wrote and agreed on the Constitution.

• Federalism was created to keep the national government from having too much power over the states.

• Separation of powers was used to prevent one branch of government from becoming too powerful.

• Military leaders supported the Declaration of Independence as a system for declaring future wars.

Which philosopher influenced the ideas in this quote?

• John Locke

• Nicolaus Copernicus

• Galileo Galilei

• Baron de Montesquieu

According to this chart, how do the ideas in most constitutions relate to political developments in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries?

• Constitutions were created to ensure that kings retained their powers after revolutions.

• Ideas of the Enlightenment inspired revolutions that led to limited governments and constitutions.

• Constitutions were created to help avoid future revolutions and challenges to government powers.

• International wars inspired world leaders to create strong constitutions to prevent further conflict.