1.4 Enlightment Ideas

Which foundational principle is reflected in the creation of three branches of government?

• natural rights

• social contract

• separation of powers

• consent of the governed

The image shows the structure of the U.S. government. Which Enlightenment idea is represented by the image?

• separation of powers

• checks and balances

• social contract

• natural law

Which characteristic of the U.S. government was developed from Montesquieu’s idea that no single branch should be more powerful than another?

• rule of law

• natural law

• social contract

• separation of powers

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

These statements 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 people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defense of a free state…

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This quote is from a historical document.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.

This is a newspaper headline. Which Enlightenment idea is represented by the headline?

• separation of powers

• checks and balances

• social contract

• natural law

Which right is an example of an Enlightenment idea?

• First Amendment right to free speech

• Second Amendment right to bear arms

• Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate yourself

• Third Amendment right to avoid quartering soldiers

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.

This is a statement from the Constitution of Massachusetts (1780).

"The body politic is formed by a voluntary association of individuals; .... which the whole people covenants with each citizen and each citizen with the whole people that all shall be governed by certain laws for the common good."

Which principle expressed in the statement influenced the Founding Fathers when they wrote the Constitution?

• separation of powers

• social contract

• rule of law

• natural law

According to John Locke, which agreement did individuals enter into when forming their own society?

• constitution

• social contract

• Mayflower Compact

• English Bill of Rights