Final answer:
The principles of American government can be matched with Enlightenment thinkers who inspired them: Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Locke.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principles of American government can be matched with the Enlightenment philosophers who inspired them as follows:
- People are free to practice whatever religion they wish: This principle aligns with the ideas of Voltaire, who advocated for religious freedom and tolerance.
- The president has the power to veto a law passed by Congress: This principle is influenced by the ideas of Montesquieu. He proposed the separation of powers and the importance of checks and balances in government.
- The people of the United States give the government its power: This principle is associated with the beliefs of Locke. He argued that governments should be based on the consent of the governed and that individuals have natural rights.