Origins of Government Unit Test

Which Enlightenment thinker argued that all people were born equal and had natural rights to life, liberty, and property?

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• Baron de Montesquieu

• Thomas Hobbes

• John Locke

The image concerns government. Which Enlightenment idea is represented by the image?

• separation of powers

• checks and balances

• social contract

• natural law

Use the quotation to answer the question.

"To secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

-excerpt from the Declaration of Independence

Which Enlightenment idea is expressed in this statement above?

• Baron de Montesquieu's theory of separation of power

• John Locke's idea of the social contract

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau's theory of divine right

• James Madison's view of individual liberty

Why did the Founding Fathers separate the power to make, enforce, and interpret laws between different branches of government?

• to prevent one branch of government from becoming too powerful

• to make the national government more effecient

• to increase the power of the presidency

• to ensure that Congress would act according to the will of the people

The quote on the scroll is from a historical document.

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.

What Enlightenment idea is represented by the headline on the newspaper?

• separation of powers

• checks and balances

• social contract

• natural laws

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.

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

What pamphlet denounced British rule and fanned the flames of revolution?

• Magna Carter

• Two Treatises of Government

• Mayflower Compact

• Common Sense

The Founding Fathers divided the power to make, enforce, and interpret laws between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. What might have happened if they had given all of these powers to the executive branch?

• The balance of power among the different branches would make government more efficient.

• The president could have grown too powerful, leading to tyranny.

• Congress would have had more occasions to override presidential vetoes.

• Supreme Court justices would have had to strike down more laws as unconstitutional.