Understanding the Enlightenment Influence on American Founding Documents

The video discusses the influence of Enlightenment thought on the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. It highlights key Enlightenment ideas such as natural rights, the social contract, and the separation of powers. John Locke's concept of natural rights suggests that rights are granted by a Creator, not the government. Rousseau's social contract theory emphasizes governance by consent. Montesquieu's ideas on separation of powers and checks and balances are foundational to the Constitution's framework for a republican government.

What was the main focus of the Enlightenment movement?

• Economic theories

• Artistic expression

• Scientific reasoning applied to social and political issues

• Religious reforms

Who is credited with the idea of natural rights in the Declaration of Independence?

• Baron de Montesquieu

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• Thomas Hobbes

• John Locke

What does the social contract theory imply?

• Governments are divinely ordained

• People consent to be governed

• Laws are unchangeable

• Monarchs have absolute power

According to the Declaration of Independence, what should people do if a government becomes tyrannical?

• Seek help from other nations

• Overthrow the government

• Accept the government's rule

• Petition the monarch

Which Enlightenment thinker influenced the separation of powers in the Constitution?

• John Locke

• Baron de Montesquieu

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• Voltaire

What is the purpose of checks and balances in the Constitution?

• To ensure a strong executive branch

• To limit the power of the judiciary

• To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful

• To simplify the legislative process

What type of government framework does the Constitution provide?

• Monarchical

• Democratic

• Republican

• Oligarchic