Question

kc-3.2.1.a enlightenment ideas and philosophy inspired many american political thinkers to emphasize individual talent over hereditary privilege, while religion strengthened americans’ view of themselves as a people blessed with liberty. => how did enlightenment thinkers like john locke influence colonial ideas about government? => why do you think many colonists came to see themselves as “blessed with liberty” by the eve of the revolution? kc-3.2.1.b the colonists’ belief in the superiority of republican forms of government based on the natural rights of the people found expression in thomas paine’s common sense and the declaration of independence. the ideas in these documents resonated throughout american history, shaping americans’ understanding of the ideals on which the nation was based. => what arguments did thomas paine make in common sense that persuaded colonists to support independence? => how did the declaration of independence express both enlightenment principles and colonial grievances? provide specific examples.

Explanation:

1. John Locke's ideas, such as natural rights (life, liberty, and property) and the social - contract theory, influenced colonial ideas about government by suggesting that governments derived their power from the consent of the governed. Colonists began to question British rule as they saw violations of their natural rights.
2. Many colonists came to see themselves as "blessed with liberty" by the eve of the Revolution due to religious beliefs that they were a chosen people, as well as Enlightenment ideas emphasizing individual freedoms. Also, they had some self - governance experience in the colonies which they valued as liberty.
3. Thomas Paine in Common Sense argued that monarchy was an irrational form of government, that the British were exploiting the colonies economically, and that independence would allow the colonies to have a more just and prosperous future. He also made the case that the distance between Britain and the colonies made continued British rule impractical.
4. The Declaration of Independence expressed Enlightenment principles through its assertion of natural rights (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness), similar to Locke's ideas. It expressed colonial grievances by listing specific actions of the British king, such as imposing taxes without consent and quartering troops in colonial homes.

Answer:

1. John Locke's ideas about natural rights and social - contract influenced colonists to question British rule as a violation of their rights and to seek more self - governance based on the consent of the governed.
2. Religious beliefs, Enlightenment ideas, and self - governance experience led colonists to view themselves as "blessed with liberty".
3. Thomas Paine argued against monarchy, pointed out British exploitation, and emphasized the practicality of independence for a prosperous future.
4. Enlightenment principles were expressed through natural rights assertion, and colonial grievances were shown by listing specific actions of the British king.