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What were the enlightenment ideas and how did they affect the United States constitution? (extra-credit for each thinker you can name and how they affected the United States Constitution)

A. Provide an analysis of Enlightenment ideas and their influence on the US Constitution with thinker references.

User Stijndcl
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Final answer:

Enlightenment ideas, with influences from thinkers like Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau, significantly influenced the United States Constitution by shaping beliefs in individual rights, separation of powers, and representative government.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Enlightenment ideas played a significant role in shaping the United States Constitution. Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke, Baron de Montesquieu, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau had a profound impact on the Founding Fathers and influenced their understanding of government and individual rights.

John Locke's idea of natural rights, including life, liberty, and property, influenced the Founding Fathers' belief in individual rights and the protection of those rights by the government. Baron de Montesquieu's concept of the separation of powers and checks and balances influenced the creation of the three branches of government in the United States Constitution. Jean-Jacques Rousseau's idea of the social contract and the importance of the general will of the people influenced the Founding Fathers' belief in representative government.

Overall, the Enlightenment ideas of individual rights, separation of powers, and representative government had a profound influence on the United States Constitution, shaping the system of government that we have today.

User Jiji
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