The Founders of the United States took the ideals of the Enlightenment to heart. Thomas Jefferson included many of the philosophers' ideas in the Declaration of Independence. Beyond that, the ideas of Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, and Montesquieu inspired the Founders as they designed a new government.
Which ideas inspired the design of the U.S. government?
A. Government should protect people's natural rights.
B. The people should have a say in the actions of the government.
C. The government should get its power from the people.
D. The leader of a government should have supreme power.
E. The government should focus on the special interests of certain people.
F. Not all people should have the same rights protected by the government.
Answer (2)
The U.S. government was inspired by Enlightenment ideas, particularly the protection of natural rights, the importance of people's voice in governance, and the concept of government power deriving from the consent of the governed. These principles reflect the belief in equality and the social contract, foundational elements of American democracy. In contrast, ideas advocating for supreme power, special interests, or limited rights contradict these inspirations. ;
The U.S. government was designed based on Enlightenment ideas, particularly the protection of natural rights, the role of the people in governance, and the government deriving power from its citizens. The principles reflect the foundational beliefs of American democracy. Ideas advocating for supreme power or limited rights contradict these inspirational concepts.
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