GED Social Studies TestCivics and GovernmentMedium
A historian is analyzing the philosophical influences on the U.S. Declaration of Independence. They note the strong emphasis on natural rights, the idea that government derives its legitimacy from the consent of the governed, and the right of the people to alter or abolish a government that becomes destructive of these ends. Which Enlightenment philosopher's ideas are most prominently reflected in these concepts?
- ABaron de Montesquieu
- BVoltaire
- CJean-Jacques Rousseau
- DJohn Locke
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. John Locke
John Locke's Two Treatises of Government heavily influenced the Declaration of Independence. His ideas of natural rights (life, liberty, property), government by consent, and the right to revolution against tyrannical rule are central to the Declaration.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Montesquieu influenced the idea of separation of powers, not the core philosophical tenets of the Declaration.
- B. Voltaire advocated for freedom of speech and religion, but Locke's work is more directly tied to the Declaration's core principles.
- C. Rousseau focused on the social contract and general will, but Locke's influence on the Declaration is more direct regarding natural rights and consent.
John Locke's Influence on Declaration
John Locke's Enlightenment philosophy, particularly his concept of natural rights (life, liberty, and property) and the social contract theory, profoundly influenced Thomas Jefferson's writing of the Declaration of Independence.
- Author of 'Two Treatises of Government'
- Argued for natural rights: life, liberty, and property
- Believed government derives power from the consent of the governed
- Supported the right of people to overthrow tyrannical governments
- His ideas are reflected in 'unalienable rights' and 'consent of the governed' in the Declaration
Memory trick: Locke's key ideas unlocked the Declaration's power.