Question

Match each principle of American government with the Enlightenment thinker who inspired it.

a. The president has the power to veto a law passed by Congress.
b. The people of the United States give the government its power.
c. People are free to practice whatever religion they wish.

1.Locke
2.Montesquieu
3.Voltaire

Answer 1

The Enlightenment principles embodied in American government can be traced to Montesquieu's concept of separation of powers, Locke's theory of governmental authority deriving from the people, and Voltaire's advocacy for religious freedom.

Step-by-step explanation:

The principles of American government have been deeply inspired by Enlightenment thinkers, whose ideas centered around concepts such as natural rights, separation of powers, and religious freedom. We can match each listed principle with the respective thinker as follows:

1. The president has the power to veto a law passed by Congress. - Montesquieu (2.Montesquieu)
2. The people of the United States give the government its power. - Locke (1.Locke)
3. People are free to practice whatever religion they wish. - Voltaire (3.Voltaire)

Baron de Montesquieu advocated for the separation of powers among different branches of government to avoid concentration of power, thus inspiring the veto power of the President as a check on Congressional legislative authority. John Locke's theories of government by consent and the right to change a government that does not serve its people is reflected in American democracy's foundational concept that the government derives its power from the people. Voltaire's emphasis on freedom of religion is echoed in the American principle of religious liberty.