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SS 8 A 1 4

Total questions: 9

Worksheet time: 5mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Which foundational principle is reflected in the creation

of three branches of government?

a)

natural rights 

b)

social contract 

c)

separation of powers 

d)

consent of the governed 

2.

This image shows the structure of the U.S. government. 

Which Enlightenment idea is represented by this image?

a)

separation of powers 

b)

checks and balances 

c)

social contract 

d)

natural law 

3.

Which characteristic of the U.S. government was developed from Montesquieu’s

idea that no single branch should be more powerful than another?

a)

rule of law 

b)

natural law 

c)

social contract 

d)

separation of powers 

4.

These statements are from the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights. 

1. That in all capital or criminal prosecutions a man hath a right to demand… evidence in his favor, and to a speedy trial by an impartial jury… 

2. That the legislative, executive, and judiciary department shall be separate and distinct… 

3. That the freedom of the press is one of the great bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained… 

4. That a well regulated militia, composed of the body of people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defense of a free state… 

Which statement reflects the Enlightenment ideas of government as expressed by Montesquieu?

a)

1

b)

2

c)

3

d)

4

5.

This quote is from a historical document. 

A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. 

How does this quote reflect the influence of Enlightenment ideas on the Founding Fathers?


a)

They had reservations 

about self-government

b)

They were concerned with property rights

c)

They supported individual liberties

d)

They created a limited 

monarchy

6.

This is a newspaper headline. 

Which Enlightenment idea is represented by this headline


a)

separation of powers 

b)

checks and balances 

c)

social contract 

d)

natural law 

7.

Which right is an example of an Enlightenment idea?

a)

First Amendment right to free speech

b)

Second Amendment right to bear arms

c)

Fifth Amendment right to not incriminate yourself

d)

Third Amendment right to avoid quartering soldiers

8.

How are the Enlightenment ideas that influenced the

Founding Fathers reflected in modern institutions?

a)

Colonies have been 

re-established to preserve popular sovereignty.

b)

Oligarchies have increased to safeguard natural rights.

c)

The United Nations 

promotes universal human rights.

d)

The European Union 

encourages economic 

stability.

9.

This is a statement from the Constitution of Massachusetts (1780). 

The body politic is formed by a voluntary association of individuals; …. which the whole people covenants with each citizen and each citizen with the whole people that all shall be governed by certain laws for the common good. 

Which principle expressed in this statement influenced the Founding Fathers when they wrote the Constitution?


a)

separation of powers 

b)

social contract 

c)

rule of law 

d)

natural law