Question
How did Enlightenment ideas influence the Declaration of Independence?
They encouraged the colonies to adopt a monarchy similar to Britain.
They focused on economic grievances rather than political ones.
They promoted natural rights and the social contract, which shaped Jefferson’s arguments.
They emphasized divine right as justification for independence.
They encouraged the colonies to adopt a monarchy similar to Britain.
They focused on economic grievances rather than political ones.
They promoted natural rights and the social contract, which shaped Jefferson’s arguments.
They emphasized divine right as justification for independence.
Answers
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The correct answer is: **They promoted natural rights and the social contract, which shaped Jefferson’s arguments.**
Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke emphasized the concepts of natural rights (life, liberty, and property) and the social contract between the governed and their government. These ideas significantly influenced Thomas Jefferson when drafting the Declaration of Independence, as he articulated the notion that governments are created to protect these rights and should derive their power from the consent of the governed. If a government fails to do so, the people have the right to alter or abolish it.
Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke emphasized the concepts of natural rights (life, liberty, and property) and the social contract between the governed and their government. These ideas significantly influenced Thomas Jefferson when drafting the Declaration of Independence, as he articulated the notion that governments are created to protect these rights and should derive their power from the consent of the governed. If a government fails to do so, the people have the right to alter or abolish it.