Enlightenment Philosophers

Which Enlightenment philosopher believed government works best when there is separation of powers?

• Hobbes

• Locke

• Montesquieu

• Rousseau

Answer explanation

The Enlightenment philosopher who believed in the separation of powers was Montesquieu. His ideas greatly influenced the formation of modern governmental systems, specifically the concept of separating powers among different branches of government. This prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful. Thus, Montesquieu is the correct answer, not Hobbes, Locke, or Rousseau.

According to Locke, all humans share a set of __________.

•  internal organs

• natural rights

• hopes and dreams

• traits and motivations

Answer explanation

According to philosopher John Locke, all humans share a set of 'natural rights'. He believed in three inherent rights, namely, life, liberty, and property. These rights are the foundation of law and society and are neither dependent on government nor on its laws. Hence, 'natural rights' is the correct answer.

Locke's inalienable rights include...

• life, liberty, and property

• pizza, chips, and soda

• life, property, and travel

• freedom of speech, freedom to bear arms, and freedom of assemble

Answer explanation

John Locke, in his 'Two Treatises of Government', proposed the concept of 'inalienable rights', arguing that individuals have natural rights to 'life, liberty, and property'. These rights are inherent and cannot be surrendered. The other options, such as 'pizza, chips, and soda', 'life, property, and travel', and 'freedom of speech, freedom to bear arms, and freedom of assemble', are incorrect as they do not align with Locke's philosophy.

Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Locke would all support:

• A dictatorship

• A democracy

• An absolute monarchy

• All of these

Answer explanation

Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Locke are all Enlightenment philosophers who significantly influenced democratic thought. Rousseau advocated for direct democracy, Montesquieu proposed the separation of powers in a democracy, and Locke held the belief in a social contract, which is a fundamental concept in democratic governance. Hence, they would all support a democracy.

Which of the following would NOT be an Enlightenment ideal?  

• one ruler should make laws

• the government should represent the people

• the government should be limited

• citizens should have their natural rights

Answer explanation

The Enlightenment was a philosophical movement in the 18th century that emphasized the use of reason in the pursuit of knowledge. It advocated for government by the people, limited government power, and protection of natural rights. The idea that 'one ruler should make laws' is contrary to these Enlightenment ideals, as it suggests absolute monarchy or dictatorship, which doesn't align with the democratic principles promoted during the Enlightenment.

Which Enlightenment thinker believed in the "social contract"?

• Charles-Louis Montesquieu
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau
• Adam Smith
• John Locke

Who argued for freedom of speech and religion?

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Locke

• Voltaire

• Descartes

Who advocated for equal education for women?

• Wollstonecraft

• Hobbes

• Locke

• Voltaire

Who argued the social contract theory?

• Rousseau

• Locke

• Jefferson

• Wollstonecraft

Answer explanation

The social contract theory, which posits that individuals have consented, either explicitly or tacitly, to surrender some of their freedoms in exchange for protection of their remaining rights, was argued by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. This theory is a centerpiece of his political philosophy. Therefore, the correct option is Rousseau.

Enlightenment philosophers believe that if government abuses power the people should change it.

• True
• False