Using Source 1, Source 3, and Source 4, which statement best explains how John Adams and Thomas Jefferson influenced the political development of the United States?
A
Both men helped build a federal government that would protect the rights and freedoms of individuals.
B
Both men promoted the idea that the federal government should have more power when forming policies.
C
Both men worked to ensure that the opinions of state and local governments were considered when creating laws.
D
Both men believed that a separation of powers in state governments would weaken their effectiveness.
A
Both men helped build a federal government that would protect the rights and freedoms of individuals.
This statement is best supported by the sources provided. Source 1 discusses how John Adams was instrumental in drafting the Massachusetts Constitution, which emphasized the importance of protecting individual rights and freedoms. Source 3 highlights how Thomas Jefferson played a key role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, which includes language affirming the inherent rights of individuals. Source 4 mentions both Adams and Jefferson's contributions to the founding of the United States, emphasizing their efforts to establish a government that protected individual liberties.