Enlightenment Unit

Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed in the concept of the 'general will.' How did Rousseau argue that people should respond if they disagree with the general will?

• They should create a new government.

• They should be forced to follow the general will as long as they are citizens.

• They should express their concerns to their representatives.

• They should appeal to the monarch for justice.

Voltaire was known for his criticism of the Catholic Church and absolute monarchy. Which of the following statements best reflects his beliefs about freedom of expression?

• "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

• "Freedom of expression is a privilege, not a right."

• "The monarchy must control all discourse to maintain order."

• "Only elected representatives should speak on behalf of the people."

Montesquieu argued that the best way to prevent tyranny was by dividing power. How did he propose this should be done?

• Through a powerful monarch advised by a parliament.

• By separating the government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

• By allowing religious leaders to influence government decisions.

• By ensuring all government officials are directly elected by the people.

John Locke's opinions on the British monarchy were influenced by his belief in natural rights. According to Locke, what should citizens do if a government does not protect their natural rights?

• Accept the authority of the government due to the divine right of kings.

• Replace the government with one that respects and protects those rights.

• Protest peacefully without changing the structure of the government.

• Appeal to the king for intervention.

"Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains." This famous quote by Jean-Jacques Rousseau refers to his belief that:

• People are born naturally equal but are enslaved by governments.

• Governments should grant more freedoms to the upper classes.

• Individuals are free to act as they wish, regardless of the laws.

• Freedom is only achieved through a strong monarchy.

Voltaire wrote, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." What Enlightenment principle does this reflect?

• The divine right of kings.

• Absolute monarchy.

• Freedom of speech.

• Majority rule.

Which of the following situations would most likely occur in a society based on Montesquieu's ideas of government?

• All power is concentrated in the hands of a single monarch.

• Different branches of government check each other to prevent tyranny.

• The government imposes strict religious laws to control its citizens.

• The people directly control all aspects of government without a governing body.

According to John Locke's theories, what would happen if a government continuously violated the natural rights of its citizens?

• Citizens would have no choice but to follow the government's laws.

• The government would become more powerful and rule indefinitely.

• Citizens would have the right to overthrow and replace the government.

• Religious leaders would intervene to take control of the government.

Imagine a country where the king has absolute power and controls the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government. Which Enlightenment thinker would likely oppose this and why?

• Rousseau, because he believed in direct democracy and the general will of the people.

• Montesquieu, because he believed that power should be separated among different branches.

• Locke, because he supported the divine right of kings.

• Voltaire, because he believed that monarchs should have unlimited power to enforce laws.

A government censors criticism of its policies and imprisons those who speak out. Based on this, which Enlightenment thinker would most likely oppose this government and why?

• Voltaire, because he was a strong advocate for freedom of expression and opposed censorship.

• Rousseau, because he believed that only the government should determine what people can say.

• Montesquieu, because he thought that freedom of expression weakens the state.

• Locke, because he believed that the government should control all aspects of discourse.