Question

How does the preamble of the declaration of independence show the influence of the enlightenment?

1) it references john locke, thomas hobbes, and jean-jacques rousseau by name.
2) it describes why enlightenment ideas are important to the formation of governments.
3) it explains the importance of natural rights, the social contract, and popular sovereignty.
4) it lists the grievances that colonists had against the king and the british government.

Answer 1

The preamble of the Declaration of Independence shows the influence of the Enlightenment through its references to prominent Enlightenment thinkers, its explanation of Enlightenment ideas' importance to governments, and its emphasis on natural rights and the social contract.

Step-by-step explanation:

The preamble of the Declaration of Independence shows the influence of the Enlightenment in several ways:

1. It references prominent Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau by name, indicating the impact of their ideas on the document.
2. It describes why Enlightenment ideas are important to the formation of governments, emphasizing the belief in natural rights and the social contract.
3. It explains the importance of natural rights, the social contract, and popular sovereignty, all concepts central to Enlightenment philosophy.

These elements in the preamble demonstrate how the Enlightenment influenced the thinking behind the Declaration of Independence and the desire for independence from British rule.