Question

write one paragraphs explaining how the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution reflect Enlightenment ideas about government. Use the following

Answer 1

The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution embody key Enlightenment ideas by emphasizing liberty, equality, and the social contract, drawing particularly from thinkers such as John Locke. In the Declaration, Thomas Jefferson articulates the principle that all men are created equal and are endowed with unalienable rights, namely life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, reflecting Locke's belief in natural rights. This assertion of individual rights served as a justification for the colonies' break from British rule. Similarly, the U.S. Constitution is structured around the Enlightenment concept of government by consent, establishing a system of checks and balances designed to limit governmental power and protect individual freedoms. By embodying these principles, both documents laid the foundation for a government that derives its authority from the people, fostering a political environment that prioritizes reason, justice, and equality.