The theories of government during the Enlightenment viewed the role of government as benevolent, transparent, and useful, but not as absolute. Enlightenment thinkers believed that the primary purpose of government was to protect the natural rights and liberties of its citizens, such as life, liberty, and property. They saw government as a social contract between the rulers and the ruled, in which those in power were expected to act for the collective good and promote the well-being of the people.
Enlightenment thinkers advocated for limited government and the separation of powers, which aimed to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a single ruler or institution. They emphasized the importance of checks and balances, ensuring that no branch or individual could abuse their authority. This belief in the importance of transparency led to the promotion of open governance and the idea that citizens should have the right to know and participate in the decision-making processes of the government.
Overall, the Enlightenment's theories of government emphasized the role of government as a tool for the betterment of society, with the responsibility to protect individual rights and promote the collective welfare.
How did the Enlightenment’s theories of government view the role of government?
as benevolent
as absolute
as transparent
as useful
1 answer
1 answer