Ideas of Democracy and How the Enlightenment Inspired Revolution - Luann Harris | Laabri

1

Which statement BEST explains how Enlightenment ideas influenced the American Revolution?

Hobbes argued for absolute monarchy, inspiring colonists to remain loyal to Britain.

Locke’s idea of natural rights and consent of the governed inspired independence.

Montesquieu’s belief in divine right of kings encouraged colonists to support the king.

Voltaire argued for censorship, which colonists used against Britain.

1

Which of the following events shows how Enlightenment ideas contributed to the causes of the American Revolution?

Colonists accepted taxation without representation because it was “common sense.”

Colonists believed they had the right to overthrow a government that abused power.

Colonists supported the king’s absolute authority over the colonies.

Colonists rejected freedom of speech and press to stay loyal to Britain.

1

John Locke argued that governments exist to:

Protect natural rights of citizens.

Grant power only to monarchs.

Take away rights when needed.

Punish citizens without trial.

1

Montesquieu influenced the U.S. Constitution through his idea of:

Freedom of speech.

Separation of powers.

Absolute monarchy.

Consent of the governed.

1

Which Enlightenment thinker defended freedom of speech and religion?

Rousseau

Voltaire

Beccaria

1

Rousseau’s idea of the social contract stated that:

Citizens give up all rights to the monarch.

Citizens and government agree to protect rights and the “general will.”

Only kings should decide laws.

Government should be based on divine right.

1

The phrase “consent of the governed” means:

Government power comes from the people.

Citizens must obey without question.

Kings are chosen by God.

Only wealthy landowners may rule.

1

Which Enlightenment thinker argued against cruel and unusual punishment?

Montesquieu

Beccaria

Locke

Voltaire

1

Which of the following BEST describes taxation without representation?

Colonists had no vote in Parliament but were still taxed.

Colonists elected their own British officials.

Colonists chose to pay extra taxes willingly.

Colonists refused all forms of taxation.

1

Thomas Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense was important because it:

Encouraged loyalty to Britain.

Used plain language to inspire independence.

Promoted monarchy as the best form of government.

Denounced freedom of speech.

1

The American colonists used Enlightenment ideas to justify:

Remaining loyal to Britain.

Establishing a monarchy in the colonies.

Declaring independence from Britain.

Limiting natural rights.

1

Which of the following BEST explains why the colonists viewed King George III as a tyrant?

He granted too much freedom of speech.

He taxed the colonies without their consent and ignored colonial rights.

He supported democratic reforms.

He allowed colonists to choose their representatives.

1

Explain how Enlightenment thinkers influenced the ideas of democracy in the Declaration of Independence and how these ideas caused colonists to seek independence from Britain. Use at least two Enlightenment thinkers in your response.