Enlightenment Thinkers and Historical Documents

The statements are from the Declaration of Independence

Which statement reflects the Enlightenment ideas of natural law as expressed by Locke?

• A

• B

• C

• D

The statements below are from the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights.

1) That in all capital or criminal prosecutions a man hath a right to demand . . . evidence in his favor, and to a speedy trial by an impartial jury . . .

2) That the legislative, executive, and judiciary department shall be separate and distinct . . .

3) That the freedom of the press is one of the great bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained . . .

4) That a well-regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defense of a free state . . .

Which statement reflects the Enlightenment ideas of government as expressed by Montesquieu?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

How are the Enlightenment ideas that influenced the Founding Fathers reflected in modern institutions?

• Colonies have been re-established to preserve popular sovereignty.

• Oligarchies have increased to safeguard natural rights.

• The United Nations promotes universal human rights.

• The European Union encourages economic stability.

The quote below is from a historical document.

"A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people."

How does this quote reflect the influence of Enlightenment ideas on the Founding Fathers?

• They had reservations about self-government.

• They were concerned with property rights.

• They supported individual liberties.

• They created a limited monarchy.

Which right is an example of an Enlightenment idea?

• Fifth Amendment self-incrimination protection

• First Amendment freedom of speech guarantees

• First Amendment freedom of religion guarantees

• Fourth Amendment search and seizure protection

The excerpt below was taken from the Magna Carta.

"No freeman shall be taken or imprisoned or disseized or exiled or any way destroyed, nor will we go upon him nor send him upon, except by the lawful judgment of his peers or by the law of the land"

Based on the excerpt, which right is guaranteed by the Magna carta?

• Trial by jury

• Freedom of speech

• No taxation without representation

• Freedom of Religion

The Magna Carta required the king (as executive) to be bound by law. Which of these statements best reflects how this idea applies to the U.S. Bill of Rights?

• The Congress has greater authority than the President.

• The government is not above the law and the will of the people.

• In case of a conflict, the States overrule the federal government.

• People are better off without a government, but it is necessary for society.

The diagram shows that American’s formed their political views from some historical documents.

Which phrase completes the diagram?

• Separation of powers

• Consent of the Governed

• Self-government

• Natural Rights

The conversation below concerns lawmaking.

Rodrigo: I believe in making laws only when everyone can participate in public decision making.

Natalia: I disagree with you; it is best for laws to be made by the people who have been chosen for that purpose.

Which colonial principle is being discussed?

• limited government

• social contract

• self-government

• natural rights

The statements are from the English Bill of Rights, 1689

Which purpose of government can be traced to these statements?

• Rights.

• Rule of Law

• Self-government

• Due Process