Which statement is an Enlightenment idea that Jefferson used in the Declaration of Independence? A.** People get their rights from governments. B. Kings get their power from God. C. Governments exist to protect people. D. People should always obey their governments. Please answer!!
The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that emphasized reason, logic, and individual rights during the 17th and 18th centuries. Thomas Jefferson, who was heavily influenced by Enlightenment thinkers, incorporated their ideas in the Declaration of Independence. To determine the correct answer, let's analyze each option:
A. People get their rights from governments: This statement contradicts the Enlightenment idea that individuals have inherent and natural rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which exist independent of any government. Therefore, this option is unlikely to be an Enlightenment idea used by Jefferson.
B. Kings get their power from God: This notion, known as the Divine Right of Kings, asserts that kings derive their authority directly from God. This idea opposes the Enlightenment's emphasis on individual rights and popular sovereignty. Consequently, this option can be eliminated as an Enlightenment concept.
C. Governments exist to protect people: This statement aligns with the Enlightenment idea that governments are established to safeguard the rights and well-being of the people. The concept of social contract, popularized by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, suggests that individuals willingly establish governments to protect their rights. Therefore, this option is likely an Enlightenment idea used by Jefferson.
D. People should always obey their governments: This statement contradicts another central principle of the Enlightenment - that people possess the right to resist or alter oppressive governments. Enlightenment thinkers promoted the idea of a government's legitimacy stemming from the consent of the governed. Therefore, this option does not reflect an Enlightenment idea.
Based on this analysis, the answer is C. Governments exist to protect people, as it aligns with the Enlightenment concept that Jefferson incorporated into the Declaration of Independence.