GED Social Studies TestCivics and GovernmentHard
A historian is analyzing the philosophical influences on the U.S. Declaration of Independence. They focus on the idea that governments derive their 'just powers from the consent of the governed' and that people have unalienable rights to 'Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.' These concepts are most directly attributable to the writings of which Enlightenment philosopher?
- AVoltaire
- BJohn Locke
- CJean-Jacques Rousseau
- DBaron de Montesquieu
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. John Locke
John Locke's philosophy, particularly his ideas on natural rights (life, liberty, and property) and the concept of government deriving its legitimacy from the consent of the governed, profoundly influenced Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson adapted 'property' to 'the pursuit of Happiness.'
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Voltaire advocated for freedom of speech and religion but was not the primary source for consent of the governed or natural rights as articulated in the Declaration.
- C. Rousseau contributed ideas about the social contract and general will, but Locke's influence on specific phrases about natural rights and consent of the governed in the Declaration is more direct.
- D. Montesquieu's primary influence was on the separation of powers and checks and balances, not the core tenets of natural rights and consent of the governed in the Declaration.
John Locke's Influence on Declaration
English Enlightenment philosopher whose ideas of natural rights (life, liberty, property) and government by consent of the governed were fundamental to the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
- Natural rights: life, liberty, and property.
- Government's legitimacy from consent of the governed.
- Social Contract theory.
Memory trick: Locke gave 'Life, Liberty, Consent'; Montesquieu separated 'Powers'; Rousseau focused on the 'Social' contract.