Enlightenment/Historical Documents Review

How did European philosophers from the 1700s define natural rights?

• life, liberty and the right to vote
• life, death, and taxes.
• life, liberty, and the right to own property
• life, time, and social contracts

Read the following excerpt from "On the Spirit of Laws," by Baron de Montesquieu, and answer the question. Which aspect of the U.S. Constitution shows the influence of Montesquieu on the Founding Fathers?

• separating power among three branches of government
• balancing power between the people and government
• dividing power between the state and national government
• dividing power between two legislative bodies of government

Which Enlightenment idea is expressed in this statement?

• Baron de Montesqueiu’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

Read the excerpt from the Declaration of Independence below and answer the question. According to this excerpt, what is the role of government in society?

• To ensure the happiness of its citizens
• To ensure the obedience of its citizens.
• To protect the natural rights of its citizens.
• To protect the religious beliefs of its citizens.

How did the publication of the pamphlet "Common Sense" impact the American colonists?

• It convinced colonists to establish fair trade with Britain.
• It convinced colonists to restrict access to printing presses.
• It encouraged colonists to establish more modern schools in each colony.
• It encouraged colonists to go to war and declare independence from Britain.

The following quotation by Thomas Paine relates to the concept of rule of law. How do these ideas impact the United States government?

• The rule of law is similar to a king's power, and the U.S. government should not question the rule of law.
• The rule of law has power like a king does, and all the branches of the U.S. government must uphold the rule of law.
• The rule of law is greater than a king's power, and laws can allow the U.S. government to keep some information secret.
• The rule of law has more power than a king, and the rule of law does not share power with any other branch of U.S. government.

Below is an excerpt of the Declaration of Independence. Which statement describes the concept of natural rights found in the Declaration of Independence?

• Natural rights can only exist without government.
• Natural rights do not apply to foreign-born citizens.
• People are born with natural rights that cannot be taken away.
• Governments give people natural rights that cannot be taken away.

Which philosopher believed the power of government should be divided and balanced?

• Thomas Hobbes
• John Locke
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau
• Baron de Montesquieu

People have the right to fair and reasonable laws. Officials have to follow rules when enforcing laws and treat all people in the same way. What do we call this?

• rule of law
• due process
• rights
• self government
• limited government

The Magna Carta is important for establishing which of the following?

• An agreement for governing the colony of Plymouth
• The principle of limited government
• The scientific discoveries of the Enlightenment
• The Virginia Company