Question

read the passage from two treatises of government (1689) by john locke. this paternal regal power being by divine right only his, it leaves no room for human prudence, or consent, to place it anywhere else; for if only one man hath a divine right to the obedience of mankind, nobody can claim that obedience, but he that can show that right; nor can mens consciences, by any other pretence, be obliged to it. and thus, this doctrine cuts up all government by the roots. which statement best explains an enlightenment position on the divine right to rule? if only one person has the authority to rule, then no one else, even members of government, may have authority, so divine right undermines civil society. if only one person has the authority to rule, there should be no confusion about how to follow the law, so divine right supports the goals of civil society. if only one person has the authority to rule, the people will always eventually conflict with that ruler, so divine right undermines civil society. if only one person has the authority to rule, all of the public servants they appoint will act in good faith, so divine right supports the goals of civil society.

Explanation:

The Enlightenment emphasized reason, individualism, and the social - contract. The divine right to rule, which claims a single person's rule is ordained by God without need for human consent, goes against Enlightenment ideas. It undermines civil society as it leaves no room for human participation or consent in governance.

Answer:

If only one person has the authority to rule, then no one else, even members of government, may have authority, so divine right undermines civil society.