1.4 Enlightenment Ideas and the Founding of the United States

Who proposed the idea of separation of powers?

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Locke

• Montesquieu

• Benjamin Franklin

What are the three branches of the U.S. government as influenced by Montesquieu?

• Legislative, Executive, Judicial

• Executive, Judicial, Military

• Legislative, Executive, Media

• Legislative, Judicial, Military

According to John Locke, what are the inherent rights possessed by individuals?

• Wealth, Honor, and Power

• Freedom, Equality, and Brotherhood

• Life, Liberty, and Property

• Education, Employment, and Health

What concept did John Locke introduce that suggests people give up some freedoms in exchange for protection?

• Natural Selection

• Checks and Balances

• Social Contract

• Divine Right

Which document declares that all individuals are endowed with certain unalienable rights?

• The Magna Carta

• The Bill of Rights

• The Declaration of Independence

• The U.S. Constitution

What is the primary purpose of the government according to the social contract theory?

• To ensure national security

• To protect and uphold individual rights

• To collect taxes

• To provide public services

How did the founding fathers use Montesquieu's ideas in the U.S. Constitution?

• By establishing a direct democracy

• By creating a monarchy

• By dividing power among three branches of government

• By abolishing the legislative branch

Which Enlightenment philosopher's ideas were used to argue for the protection of individual rights in the U.S.?

• Plato

• Aristotle

• Socrates

• John Locke

What does the system of checks and balances aim to prevent?

• Voter fraud

• Foreign invasion

• Any one branch from becoming too powerful

• Economic recession

Why is it important for citizens to understand the influence of Enlightenment ideas on the U.S.?

• To improve their voting decisions

• To appreciate the foundation of the nation's principles

• To pass history class

• To argue against modern laws