Question

key thinkers

• john locke → natural rights (life, liberty, property); social contract; right of revolution.
• baron de montesquieu → separation of powers (executive, legislative, judicial).
• jean - jacques rousseau → popular sovereignty; government should reflect the “general will” of the people.
• voltaire → religious tolerance, freedom of speech, and press.

why it matters: these thinkers shaped the ideas found in the declaration of independence and the u.s. constitution.
activity 2: enlightenment thinkers on government
instructions: match the enlightenment thinker with their influence on the american government.

1. john locke
2. montesquieu
3. rousseau
4. voltaire

ideas (match them):
a. argued for checks and balances by separating powers into three branches.
b. advocated natural rights and said citizens can overthrow bad governments.
c. promoted tolerance, freedom of speech, and religion.
d. believed sovereignty (authority) comes from the people and should serve the “general will.”

Explanation:

John Locke advocated natural rights and the right of revolution. Montesquieu proposed separation of powers for checks - and - balances. Rousseau believed in popular sovereignty from the general will. Voltaire promoted religious tolerance, freedom of speech etc.

Answer:

1. John Locke - B. Advocated natural rights and said citizens can overthrow bad governments.
2. Montesquieu - A. Argued for checks and balances by separating powers into three branches.
3. Rousseau - D. Believed sovereignty (authority) comes from the people and should serve the "general will."
4. Voltaire - C. Promoted tolerance, freedom of speech, and religion.