9th Grade Enlightenment Test

Which Enlightenment thinker believed that people are naturally selfish and need a strong government to maintain order?

• John Locke

• Thomas Hobbes

• Montesquieu

• Voltaire

According to John Locke, which of the following is NOT considered a natural right?

• Life

• Liberty

• Property

• Wealth

Montesquieu’s idea of separation of powers influenced which of the following?

• The U.S. Constitution

• The Declaration of Independence

• The French Revolution

• The Magna Carta

Which Enlightenment thinker argued against torture and the death penalty?

• Voltaire

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• Cesare Beccaria

• Mary Wollstonecraft

What did Adam Smith believe was the best way to improve an economy?

• Government control over all trade

• Heavy taxation of businesses

• Free markets and competition

• Equal wealth distribution

Which Enlightenment thinker believed that government should reflect the "general will" of the people?

• Montesquieu

• Rousseau

• Hobbes

• Beccaria

Determine which of the following statements best summarizes the Enlightenment and its importance.

• A period emphasizing reason and scientific thought that challenged traditional ideas and promoted individualism.

• A religious revival movement that deepened orthodox beliefs.

• An artistic era focused solely on cultural expressions.

• An era of political repression where little change occurred.

The social contract is an implicit agreement among individuals to form societal structures, with interpretations varying among philosophers; select the most concise explanation.

• It is a written contract that legally binds citizens to follow laws.

• It is an implicit agreement justifying governmental authority, with varying interpretations by philosophers.

• It is a contractual economic exchange between individuals.

• It is a biological imperative driving social behavior.

Mary Wollstonecraft contributed to the Enlightenment by promoting women's rights and education.

• She advanced Enlightenment ideals by advocating for the education and equality of women.

• She was primarily known as a poet who celebrated the monarchy.

• She contributed by opposing scientific reasoning and modern ideas.

• She had no significant role in the Enlightenment movement.

Voltaire believed that government and society should be guided by reason, tolerance, and the protection of individual liberties.

• They should be guided by reason, tolerance, and the protection of individual liberties.

• They should enforce strict religious dogmas.

• They should be ruled by an absolute monarchy.

• They should rely on force to maintain order.