What Enlightenment idea influenced the Declaration of Independence?

What Enlightenment idea influenced the Declaration of Independence?

• A. The concept of a monarchy
• B. The idea of natural rights and government by consent
• C. The significance of religious freedom
• D. The importance of military might

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is that Enlightenment thinkers argued people have natural rights and that legitimate government comes from the consent of the governed. The Declaration echoes this by saying individuals possess unalienable rights (such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness) and that governments exist to protect those rights. Crucially, it says governments derive their powers from the people’s consent, and if a government fails to protect rights or rules without consent, people have the right to alter or abolish it. This reflects John Locke’s social contract theory, a core Enlightenment concept that influenced the document. Monarchy, while historically significant, isn’t the Enlightenment idea highlighted here, since the Declaration rejects rule by tyranny and emphasizes self-government. Religious freedom is important in the broader era but is not the primary Enlightenment political theory shaping the Declaration’s argument. Military might isn’t the guiding Enlightenment principle being invoked.

The main idea being tested is that Enlightenment thinkers argued people have natural rights and that legitimate government comes from the consent of the governed. The Declaration echoes this by saying individuals possess unalienable rights (such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness) and that governments exist to protect those rights. Crucially, it says governments derive their powers from the people’s consent, and if a government fails to protect rights or rules without consent, people have the right to alter or abolish it. This reflects John Locke’s social contract theory, a core Enlightenment concept that influenced the document.

Monarchy, while historically significant, isn’t the Enlightenment idea highlighted here, since the Declaration rejects rule by tyranny and emphasizes self-government. Religious freedom is important in the broader era but is not the primary Enlightenment political theory shaping the Declaration’s argument. Military might isn’t the guiding Enlightenment principle being invoked.