Read this passage: during the 1700s, a group of european philosophers believe that reason could improve human society. the ideas of these enlightenment thinkers influenced the members of the continental congress. and then answer this question: based on the passage above, which enlightenmenbt idea influenced the continental congress to declare independence from britain? a. government powers should be spelled out in the law b. government organization should be divided into three parts c. government should protect the right of corporations to own property. d. government should be seen as a contract between the people and their rulers.