The Enlightenment Review

During the 1600s and 1700s, writers believed in the power of reason and sought to change society. Which goal best describes what these writers aimed to do?

• Preserve absolute power for kings and popes

• Reform government to create a more just society

• Limit education to church leaders only

• Replace laws with traditions

What do some philosophers mean by "natural laws"?

• Rules passed by parliament to regulate trade

• Commands issued by monarchs to control subjects

• Rules that govern human nature

• Sacred rites performed by church officials

Match each Enlightenment term to its description based on the section.

• Shared identity and political unity of a people

• Reason

• Government based on the people’s participation and rights

• Democracy

• Changing government practices to make society more just

• Reform

• Using human thought and logic to understand and improve society

• Nationhood

According to John Locke, natural rights are rights that belong to all humans from birth. Which set lists three examples he specifically named?

• Speech, vote, and religion

• Life, liberty, and property

• Education, safety, and equality

• Trial by jury, taxation, and representation

John Locke rejected absolute monarchy and had a more optimistic view of human nature. What did he believe about people?

• People are naturally selfish and require strict control

• People are basically moral and can govern themselves

• People cannot be trusted without a king

• People are equal but must obey royal authority

Match each idea to John Locke’s claim about government.

• Protect natural rights

• Purpose of government

• To secure life, liberty, and property

• Condition for revolution

• When government fails to protect rights

• Reason people form governments

Which statement best summarizes Locke’s argument about the right to revolution?

• People may overthrow any government at any time

• Revolution is justified when government does not protect natural rights

• Only elected governments can be overthrown

• Revolution must be approved by foreign allies

Montesquieu argued in The Spirit of the Laws that government power should be divided to prevent tyranny. Which three branches did he propose?

• Legislative, Executive, Judicial

• Federal, State, Local

• Monarchy, Aristocracy, Democracy

• Military, Police, Courts

According to the text, what is the main purpose of checks and balances in a government with separated powers?

• To allow one branch to dominate the others

• To prevent tyranny by letting each branch limit the others

• To make passing laws faster

• To eliminate the need for a judiciary

Select all beliefs or actions attributed to Voltaire in the material.

• He advocated free speech.

• He supported religious toleration.

• He praised the French government’s limits on intellectual freedom.

• He criticized the Catholic Church for restricting freedoms.