Answer:
D: They provided the ideas of natural rights, government by consent, and separation of powers, which promote the greatest possible liberty for the people.
The correct answer is D. Enlightenment philosophers had a significant influence on the Founding Fathers of American government. The Founding Fathers, such as Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin, were heavily influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, Montesquieu, and Voltaire.
These philosophers introduced new ideas and concepts that shaped the foundation of American government. They emphasized the importance of natural rights, including the rights to life, liberty, and property, which they believed were inherent to all individuals. This concept of natural rights provided the basis for the protection of individual freedoms and became a central tenet of the American political system.
Enlightenment philosophers also advocated for the idea of government by consent, stating that legitimate political authority derives from the consent of the governed. This concept challenged the traditional notion of divine right monarchy and formed the basis for the idea of popular sovereignty in the United States. The Founding Fathers incorporated this principle into the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, ensuring that the government's power ultimately rests with the people.
Furthermore, Enlightenment thinkers introduced the concept of the separation of powers, which advocated for dividing governmental authority among different branches to prevent concentration of power and safeguard against tyranny. This principle was incorporated into the design of the American system of government, with the establishment of separate branches—the legislative, executive, and judicial—each with its own powers and responsibilities.
In summary, the ideas put forth by Enlightenment philosophers, such as natural rights, government by consent, and the separation of powers, greatly influenced the Founding Fathers in shaping the American system of government to promote the greatest possible liberty for the people.