GED Social Studies TestCivics and GovernmentEasy
A group of high school students is researching the origins of American democracy. They learn that many of the foundational principles of the U.S. government, such as the idea of natural rights and the social contract, were influenced by Enlightenment philosophers. Which of the following documents most directly reflects these Enlightenment ideals in its assertion of unalienable rights and the right of the people to alter or abolish a destructive government?
- AThe Federalist Papers
- BThe U.S. Constitution
- CThe Articles of Confederation
- DThe Declaration of Independence
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, penned primarily by Thomas Jefferson, explicitly articulates Enlightenment ideals such as unalienable rights (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness) and the right of the people to overthrow a government that becomes destructive of these ends, drawing heavily from John Locke's philosophy.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The Federalist Papers were essays advocating for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, not a foundational document itself in the same way.
- B. The U.S. Constitution established the framework of government but the Declaration of Independence laid out the philosophical basis for that government.
- C. The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution but focused on a loose confederation of states, not primarily on unalienable rights.
Declaration of Independence
A document adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, declaring the American colonies' independence from Great Britain and articulating foundational principles of American democracy.
- Authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson.
- Asserts unalienable rights: 'Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness'.
- States the right of the people to alter or abolish destructive government.
- Influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke.
Memory trick: Declaration declares Enlightenment ideals for independence.