Week 1: Foundations of American Democracy

Which Enlightenment thinker is known for his ideas about natural rights, including life, liberty, and property?

• Thomas Hobbes

• • John Locke

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• Voltaire

Which concept did Montesquieu introduce that became fundamental to the American government structure?

• Social Contract

• Separation of Powers

• Direct Democracy

• Absolute Monarchy

Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed in the idea of the "general will." What does this refer to?

• The will of a dictator

• The will of the majority

• The will of the minority

• The will of God

Voltaire was a strong advocate for which of the following freedoms?

• Freedom of Speech

• Freedom of the Press

• Freedom of Religion

• All of the above

Which Enlightenment philosopher's ideas are most reflected in the Declaration of Independence?

• Thomas Hobbes

• John Locke

• Montesquieu

• Voltaire

According to the Declaration of Independence, from where do governments derive their just powers?

• The consent of the governed

• The divine right of kings

• Military strength

• Wealth and land ownership

Which democratic ideal is emphasized in the phrase “all men are created equal”?

• Natural rights

• Popular sovereignty

• Equality

• • Social contract

What does the Declaration of Independence state people have the right to do if a government becomes destructive of their rights?

• Obey it

• Alter or abolish it

• Ignore it

• Support it regardless

Which model of democracy is characterized by elected officials representing a group of people?

• Direct Democracy

• Participatory Democracy

• Pluralist Democracy

• Representative Democracy

In which model of democracy do various groups compete and counterbalance one another in the political marketplace?

• Direct Democracy

• Participatory Democracy

• Pluralist Democracy

• Elite Democracy