(B).The founding documents of the United States incorporated many enlightenment ideas. Documents like Bill of rights, Declaration of Independence enshrine the ideas of enlightenment such as individualism, free speech, sovereignty, logical/practical approach.
Further Explanation:
The ideas of Enlightenment greatly influenced the American Revolution. The Declaration separated the American colonies from Great Britain. King George 3's abuses on the colonies were listed in the declaration which justified separation from Great Britain. The ideas such as "all men are created equal", "unalienable rights" and "the pursuit of happiness, life, and liberty" were asserted in The Declaration.
Bill of Rights constitutes the first ten amendments to the U.S. constitution. It shares many ideas of enlightenment. The freedom of speech and freedom of religion is guaranteed in the First amendment. Sixth Amendment provides the right to a fair and speedy trial.
Americans were socio-economically oppressed by the mother county (Britain). People opposed by the regime began demanding the voice in the government and a say in the policy-making. The enlightenment thinkers such as Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau played a decisive role in directing people's revolt into revolution. In this regard, Locke advocated that the rights of life, liberty, and property are natural to people. The government draws its power from the people to protect and guarantee the rights of people, if failed it can be overthrown. The idea of popular sovereignty (majority's will) and a social contract between citizens and government were inspired by the Rousseau. Similarly, the logical thinker Montesquieu proposed the system of checks and balances between (judicial, executive, and legislative).
Hence the enlightenment ideas can easily be recognized as a fundamental philosophy of the Constitution, Declaration of Independence and The Bill of Rights.
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Answer Details:
Grade: High School
Subject: History
Chapter: NA
Keywords: Constitution, Enlightenment Ideas, Bill of rights, Declaration of Independence, Individualism, Free Speech, Liberty, Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Checks and Balances, Social Contract, Popular Sovereignty, American Revolution.
