The Enlightenment was an intellectual and cultural movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason and individualism rather than tradition. Key Enlightenment thinkers influenced the American colonies and the formation of the United States by promoting ideas such as natural rights, separation of powers, and the importance of individual liberty. These concepts are reflected in foundational American documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
This worksheet will help you understand the main concepts and figures of the Enlightenment and their impact on American political thought. Get ready to explore the ideas that shaped a nation!
Match the following terms with their correct definitions:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Natural Rights | A. The division of government power among different branches. |
| 2. Social Contract | B. Rights inherent to all humans, such as life, liberty, and property. |
| 3. Separation of Powers | C. An agreement where individuals give up some freedoms for protection. |
| 4. Popular Sovereignty | D. The principle that the authority of a state and its government are created and sustained by the consent of its people. |
| 5. Republic | E. A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives. |
Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the word bank: liberty, reason, John Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau.
The Enlightenment emphasized ________ and individualism. ________ argued for natural rights, including life, ________, and property. ________ advocated for the separation of powers in government. ________ believed in the concept of the social contract, where people agree to give up some individual rights for the common good.
How did Enlightenment ideas influence the American Revolution and the formation of the U.S. government? Provide specific examples.
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